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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 







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AN.JDNES Z HETTRICH .LITH.SAN FRANCISCO. 



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Santa Cruz County. 



$ES0l«(GES, 

TIDYTITOGES, 

OBJEGSS OB II^TE^EST. 



— ^F=§"^7"ritteia. suaa.cL 0©±»piled.§<=^fc-~- 



V 
I. H. RAYMOND 



SEC. S. C. D. A. 



PUBLISHED BY THE 

SANTA CRUZ DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION, 

SANTA CRUZ, CAL. 

1887. 



\ 







Entered according to Act ofJCongress, in the year 1887, by 

I. H. RAYMOND, 
In the office of the Liorarian of Congress at Washington. 




HEN'Tixioh Print, Santa Cruz. Cal 



Tlje Sai^ta (5ruz Development Association. 



This is not a corporation for the purpose of money making, but an 
association of citizens formed for the purpose of disseminating reliable 
information concerning the resources of the entire county, and of inviting 
the attention of visitors and intending settlers to the attractions and 
advantages offered by this region to the man of moderate means or of large 
capital, who desires to invest his energies, his time,, and his money where 
they may reap a sure reward, while, at the same time, he may enjoy a 
healthful and delightful home. 

The affairs of the Association are managed by a central and executive 
committee, who act without pay and who are appointed by the Association, 
the members of which bear the necessary expense by means of subscrip- 
tions. 

In the publications, of whatever nature or form, issued by the Associa- 
tion, the first aim is to state facts without exaggeration, and to give exactly 
the information which the person seeking for health, home, or investment 
would desire to obtain. 

The office of the Society is in the second story of the Masonic Temple 
on Pacific Avenue, facing Walnut Avenue. It is designed to be a head- 
quarters for the collection and distribution of facts, figures and statistics 
relating to the county, all of which may be relied upon, and any of which 
will be cheerfully furnished to visitors or settlers upon application. All 
questions by letter will be personally answered by the Secretary with 
promptness and accuracy. 

The Executive Committee consists of the following gentlemen: 
Chairman, Hon. Robert Effey, 

Mayor of Santa Cruz. 
Hon. F. A. Hihn, Santa Cruz. 
Wm. T. Jeter, Santa Cruz. 
Edward White, Watsonville. 
George W. Sill, Watsonville. 



For further particulars address: 
P. O. Box H, Santa Cruz, Cal. 



I. H. Raymond, Secretary, 



INTRODUCTORY. 



In preparing this little pamphlet upon the advantages and resources of 
Santa Cruz County, the compiler has desired, above all things, to avoid 
exaggeration. With a love for the county and an interest in it engendered 
by years of residence therein, it is not easy to repress enthusiasm when 
writing of facts that are patent to all observers, and of comparisons which 
are made by all who see Santa Cruz after having studied other portions of 
the country, and of the world. But justifiable enthusiasm and unjustifiable 
exaggeration are entirely opposite things; and while it has not been 
considered either wise or possible to entirely suppress the former, the latter 
has been conscientiously, and, I hope, successfully avoided. The facts and 
figures submitted under each separate heading have been prepared from 
absolutely auihentic sources, and where estimates have been given, they are, 
in each case, from those who are acknowledged as authority upon the 
topics. 

In sending ou: the book the Association desires — not to have readers 
accept it as an ultimatum — but to induce them to come to our county and 
to stay long enough to investigate for themselves whether the statements 
here made are true or otherwise. We have no fears for the result. So 
many people of intelligence, of good judgment, of excellent taste, have 
already confirmed our statements by coming hither with their families and 
making their homes among us, that we are confident that the time ,is not far 
distant when Santa Cruz County shall be, as it deserves to be, the richest 
tract of country of its size in the world, not only in wealth, but in the 
health, happiness and intelligence of its people and in all that goes to make 
life worth living. 



A. D. 1787. 



Bold hearts, brave hearts, who fought so well 
That later crusade of the west, 
Thro' forest gloom, 'mid ocean swell 
They bore the standard of the blest. 
On many a sun-kissed, seaward height 
The cross rose in the wine-sweet air, 
While pious padre, Christian knight 
And gallant soldier knelt in prayer. 

And where they knelt they founded there 

An altar to some saint beloved; 

And built a Mission, large and fair, 

Then northward and still northward moved. 

They sought for weary leagues that bay 

Viscaino saw so long ago; 

That long lost gulf of Monterey, 

Named for El Bey of Mexico. 

Sought, but in vain, for, ever still, 
It northward and still northward moved, 
They followed, over vale and hill, 
Beseeching aid from saints beloved, 
And so, by forest, stream and shore, 
They came at last, to rest one day 
Where, fairer than all else before 
Looked down the mountains on a bay. 

" The lost is found, the goal is won," 
Brave Knights and pious padres say, 
And, at the setting of the sun, 
Wearied, but cheered, they kneel to pray. 
Above the cross a time worn bell 
Swings from a hoary moss-grown tree 
And while their beads the soldiers tell 
Soft sounds the " vespers " o'er the sea. 

From San Diego, northward far 
While journeying on their lonely way 
No spot shone on by sun or star 
Had seemed so blessed as this to-day. 
" What name shall we our Mission call?" 
They say, and count the saints all o'er; 
But something holier than all 
Should sanctify this peaceful shore. 

" These heights so fair, these mountain streams, " 

Says Padre Crespi, proud, elate, 

"This sea whereon the young moon gleams 

Shall to The Cross be consecrate. 

Here shall our holy altar stand 

Where faithful ones may pray and muse; 

Here on this broad Pacific strand 

We found the Mission — Santa Cruz. I. H. R, 



OtiR HIST0RY 



It is claimed by poets, artists and historians that our new world is 
uninteresting because it has no past, and it is very true that the greatest 
antiquity of which we know anything is but a thing of yesterday. Vague 
hints, slight remnants and tokens we sometimes find, that whisper of a 
time when nations as mighty as Greece or Rome peopled this western 
world, but of the time when Egypt had her Pharaohs, Greece her god-like 
warriors, even of the time when, on the plains of Judea, the shepherds 
watched their flocks by night while the angels sang the redemption anthem 
of a world, and Caesar founded a new empire in the far west of Britain, of 
that far-off time still told of in song and story we have nothing to look 
back upon but a vast silence. 

But the two or three centuries of past that we may claim are a pictur- 
esque and romantic bit of history, full of adventure, of heroic men and 
of devotion to that cross which so long ago and so far away was the sign 
by which the great Constantine went forth to conquer. On the Atlantic 
shore of our country there are reminiscences of Spanish and French and 
English explorers, and of a band of Pilgrims planting their faith and their little 
colony "on a stern and rock-bound coast " while here on the Pacific, 
historical interest centers almost wholly in those faithful Spanish priests who 
planted their beloved standard amid flowers and fruits and sunshine, 
surrounded by tribes of dusky natives who became easy converts to the 
blessed faith. 

The early history of Santa Cruz County is identified with that of the 
entire country around Monterey Bay. Its forest-crowned mountains first 
attracted the attention of the explorer, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, on his first 
voyage up this coast in 1542, and he made a note of them in his journal, 
adding that he was, at the time, near the 37 th parallel of latitude. After 
this glimpse we hear no more of this part of the coast for thirty-six years, 
when Sir Francis Drake, on his way to San Francisco Bay, notes the same 
wooded mountains. Then, twenty-four years after, Viscaino comes, and, 
searching for a good harbor, finds Monterey Bay. It was Viscaino who 
named the bay. He arrived Dec. 16, 1602, stayed a fortnight and noted 
" an infinite number of very large pines, straight and smooth, fit for masts 
and yards, likewise oaks of prodigious size for building ships. Here, 
likewise, are rose trees, white thorns, firs, willows and poplars; large, clear 
lakes and fine pastures and arable lands." 



8 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 

After Viscaino's vivid picture the curtain drops for a long interim of 160 
years, during which there comes to us no sound from the beautiful bay. 
But at that day there sprang up a zeal for missionary work in Mexico, and a 
new crusade was formed which was to establish missions in that mysterious 
northern country of which the old navigators' stories had given brief 
mention. In 1769 a land and a sea expedition reached San Diego and 
there established a Mission. From this parent Mission an expedition to the 
northward set out by land on the 14th of July, 1769, their purpose being 
to find that Bay of Monterey which Viscaino had so glowingly described. 
Governor Portala, whom Bret Harte has immortalized as " Pious Portala,'' 
commanded this expedition, which consisted of Captain Revera, with 
twenty-seven soldiers in " leathern jackets," Lieutenant P. Pages with 
seven Catalonian volunteers, fifteen Christian Indians from " Baja Cali- 
fornia " and Engineer Constanzio. 

The spiritual guides, not less brave than their lay associates, were 
Padres Gomez and Crespi, and it is to the diary so faithfully kept by the 
latter that we are indebted for much of what we know of this adventurous 
and romantic journey. After a long but interesting march through the 
State, following pretty closely the line of tne sea-coast ana passing unmo- 
lested many peaceful Indian rancherias, they arrived at Monterey Bay, but 
looking at it from the landward they did not recognize it, and the 
mysterious bay of Viscaino's admiration once more disappears from the 
scene. But the undaunted explorers determined to try for Drake's Bay of 
" San Francisco de Assis," and it is recorded that the party on the 8th of 
October, 1769, crossed the Pajaro River, which they named from a stuffed 
bird in possession of the natives. Here they began to see the palos 
color ados, or redwood; Father Crespi says of them that " the trees 
are very high and resemble the cedar of Lebanon, save that the wood has 
no odor. The leaves, too, are different and the wood very brittle." In 
this valley he speaks of a lake where there were many cranes and much pas- 
turage. 

On the 1 7 th they arrived at and named the San Lorenzo. Savs the good 
Padre Crespi, " It was one of the largest rivers that we met with on our 
journey. We camped on the north side of the river, and had a great deal 
of work to cut down the trees to open a little passage for our beasts." " It 
was a pleasure to see the pasture and the variety of herbs and rose bushes 
of Castile." On the next day they found the little stream now known as 
"Majors' Mill Creek " passing through " a table land," and this they 
called the " Santa Cruz." 

"Perhaps," says Rev. S. H. Willey, "Justiniano Roxas, who died in 
1875 at the great age of one hundred and twenty-three years, saw this first 
party of white men that passed through this region. He must have been 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 9 

then about 16 or 17 years old." This expedition did not linger here long; 
they noted the fine climate and exemption from fog and passed on till 
they reached the Golden Gate. On their return they again passed through 
this country and again failed to identify the Bay of Monterey. But, at 
last, in June of 1770, two expeditions, one by land and the other by sea, 
arrived almost simultaneously from San Diego at the long-lost beautiful 
sheet of water, recognized it and took possession in the name of the King 
of Spain. The Padre Junipero Serra of blessed memory began his mission 
at Monterey by erecting a cross, hanging bells on a tree and saying mass 
on the day of their arrival. 

EL MISSION DE LA SANTA CRUZ. 

But the Mission of Santa Cruz — The Holy Cross — was not founded 
until 1 79 1, when Padres Alonzo Salazar and Baldomero Lopez pitched 
their tents on the spot where the new Catholic Church is now in process of 
erection. Some Christian Indians from Santa Clara accompanied them 
and assisted in the first work of cutting logs for a hut for the friars. 

Their next thought was a church, and in the face of what would seem 
to us insurmountable difficulties, they began. The missions at San Francisco, 
at Carmel (Monterey), and at Santa Clara, made contributions of cows, 
steers, horses, oxen, — "two pairs of them very bad," says the chronicle 3 
— of sheep, rams, mules — one of these latter, quaintly says the 
record, "so gentle that he died three days after," — and with this help 
they set earnestly to work to hew the timbers and haul them to the top 
of the bluff; to make the adobes of which the church was constructed, and, 
all the while, to teach the Indians a little of civilized life and a great deal 
of religion and humility. And so, with much labor and many prayers, the 
church was built — one hundred and twelve and a half feet long, twenty-nine 
feet wide and twenty-five and a half feet high. The first stone was laid on 
the 27th of February, 1793, and on the 10th of May, 1794, it was dedi- 
cated with such pomp and ceremony as was possible. Hermengildo Sal, 
Commandante of the Presidio at San Francisco, came down, and, as god- 
father of the church, received the keys. Padre Tomaz Pena was over 
from Santa Clara, and took the lead in the dedication ceremonies. 

The lands appertaining to the mission were understood to 
extend eleven leagues along the coast and three leagues 
inland. From the building of the church the mission life 
extended over more than thirty years. It was a peaceful 

and simple life; the wants of the people were few; their wealth increased, 
but it led them into no excesses; in great part it was expended upon the 
church which was the central object of their affections and interest. The 
vestments, the sacramental plate, the church ornaments were all of the 
richest. A chime of nine bells rang out the Angeius and the calls to 



lO SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 

matins, to mass, to vespers. Two of these, time-stained and voiceless, lie 
at rest now under the rose's of the garden at the parish rectory. The cattle 
and herds increased despite the occasional inroads of wild animals; vines 
and fruit trees were planted; the " Mission Orchard " is still a well-defined 
quarter of the town and a few of the ancient pear-trees yet stand. In '84 
a part of the old adobe church' which contained the sacristy and a portion 
of the altar was still standing, though deserted and decayed. Near it stood 
the "new" church, built in 1854 of redwood and still occupied. But in 
'84 it was determined to build a large and fine church upon the very site of 
the old Mission, and so the adobe ruins were taken down and the remains 
in the Mission " burying ground " transferred to other resting places, some 
interesting Indian relics being unearthed in the process. An adjunct to 
the Mission was the little pueblo of Branciforte, established on the south 
side of the San Lorenzo and on a tributary of that stream known also as 
the Branciforte. It was a military post for the protection of the Mission, 
and one or two tile-roofed buildings still remain in that pretty suburb, as 
souvenirs of that long-gone time. The Mission in 1830 possessed 42,800 
head of cattle, 3,200 horses and mares, 72,500 sheep, 200 mules and 
large herds of swine. The church was garnished with $25,000 worth of 
silver plate, and when the decline came and this Mission, like others, was 
secularized by order of Gen. Figuero in 1835, the liquidated value of the 
property was estimated at $97,361. The Mission now consisted 222 of men, 
94 women, 30 boys and 20 girls, but in '35 the decline in the numbers of 
stock had been very rapid. 

After secularization colonization rapidly followed, and new settlers came 
hither from Mexico and, notwithstanding the well-meant efforts of General 
Figuero to secure the Mission lands to the Indians who had earned it so 
hardly, the more virile Mexicans soon absorbed the most valuable property, 
the Indians dwindled in numbers before advancing civilization, as has been 
their history all through America, and to-day there are but few left, notwith- 
standing that the favorable climate was conducive to long life and that many 
of them reached extreme old age. 

THE NATIVE SPANISH. 

The interim between the era of Mission life and the advent of 
American and other foreigners, was the day of the large and influential native 
Californian families, a time of picturesque and romantic life, now too 
rapidly being blotted from our memories and our records. These families 
received large grants of land throughout the county, including the rich tracts 
of the Pajaro valley. A prominent family was that of Joaquin Castro, who 
received a grant of the San Andreas rancho in 1833; in the same year 
Raphael Castro was granted the Aptos rancho, Martina, a sister, received the 
Soquel and, in 1844, the Augmentation rancho. One of the sisters of this 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. I I 

family married Jose Bolcoff, a native of Russia, who was granted the 
rancho, known as Refugio rancho, where lies the favorite resort 
" Moore's Beach." 

Another Castro sister married Joseph L. Majors, a Tennesseean, and 
was granted the San Augustine rancho, now known as Scott's valley. Mr. 
Majors conducted a tanning business and a flouring mill there, and after- 
wards moved to the upper bluff in Santa Cruz, where he built a house and a 
mill at the head of " Majors' Creek " which are still standing, and where 
his widow, who was Maria de Los Angeles Castro, still lives. 

It was along these heights which give such grand views over bay and sea 
and the city of Santa Cruz, that the earliest Central Californians wandered, 
those aboriginal tribes now only dimly shadowed to us by such tribal names 
as the Runsiens, the Ecclemaches, and the Escalenes. Here stood a large 
Indian camp, evidences of the existence of which are often discovered as 
the soil is cultivated, and many a time has the spring which wells out so 
richly from the picturesquely-carved cliff, slaked the thirst of the hunter as 
he returned, while the sun dipped behind the distant mountains and the 
young moon rose pure and clear from beyond the Gabilan range, from a 
long day's chase of stag and mountain lion and grizzly bear in the densely 
wooded mountains to the north. The musical name, Escalona Heights, 
given to the tract by its present possessors, is a remembrance of those 
almost prehistoric Escalenes, with a little touch of Spanish added for the 
sake of the rhythm. A very large family was that of Rodriguez. Ramon 
received the Agua Puerca rancho in '43, and several other brothers lived 
between here and Soquel, while Sebastian Rodriguez lived in Pajaro valley > 
and Antonio of that name had the San Vicente rancho in the northern part 
of the county. To Jose Amesti, a native of Spain and a true Spanish 
gentleman, was granted the Corralitos rancho; Philip Hernandez had the 
Calabasas, and Manuel Jimeno the Salsipuedes, a portion of which is the 
well-known " Chittenden ranch " in Pajaro valley. Jimeno was a Mexican, 
wealthy and for several years Secretary of State. Many descendants of 
these families still live among us, and the musical Spanish nomenclature is 
heard not only among these people but in the titles given to counties, 
towns and rivers. Of the happy, careless life they lived nothing remains 
save, at long intervals, a half-hearted fandango, where the scattered 
remnants of the old families gather to waltz after tinkling guitars, 
and to break, with only half the old enthusiasm the gaily filled cas- 
carones. I reproduce here an essay written and read by Senorita Josepha 
Buelna, at her graduation from the Santa Cruz High School, which brings 
back some of the old customs and pleasures. " Of the adobe houses in 
which the people lived few remain, and these manifest many evidences of 
change and are in a poor state of preservation. They were built with the 



12 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 

slope of the ground and in a locality well supplied with water from a spring 
or running brook. They consisted of a series of rooms having earthen 
floors and tile roofs with sometimes a ceiling formed of open timbers. The 
adobes were large sun-dried bricks, the constituents of which were finely 
cut straw and mud, which were mixed thoroughly with the feet and placed 
in the moulds to dry. When the adobes were sufficiently dry so as to be 
easily handled, they were joined by soft mud in forming the walls of the 
house. Tiles were made by a similar process, excepting that clay was 
substituted for mud and the drying was accomplished by artificial heat. 
On the weather side of the house was a " lean-to," on which the family 
collected to warm themselves by the sun's rays, there being no fire within 
except that made in an adobe cooking range. Here on the sunny house- 
top the merry laugh and jest went round, while dark eyes sparkled and 
some bit of news was related concerning " Pancha " and " Pancho," 
or some other musically-named youth or maiden. 

"The household furniture was both simple and scanty. Four-post 
bedsteads were fastened together by strips of the hide of some animal, 
while the shearing of the sheep provided the necessary material for 
mattresses. Logs or stumps were sometimes used in place of chairs, cook- 
ing was done in the adobe range previously mentioned, which was divided 
by several partitions, each part being provided with a place for cooking 
utensils under which a fire could be built. 

LAS FLORES. 

" Externally the house presented a better appearance and the garden was 
a striking figure of these adobe dwellings. They were kept continually gay 
with flowers, around which were the fragrant " rose of Castile," mentioned 
by Padre Crespi, the variegated thistle, now considered a worthless weed, 
and many herbs, used as remedial agents, though that was a very healthy 
period. 

" The glebe was broken by means of a crooked branch drawn by oxen 
yoked together by a piece of wood fastened to their horns and held by large 
straps. The vegetable garden was well filled with corn, beans, pumpkins, Chili 
peppers, melons, etc. Their preference was for highly seasoned animal 
food. Chili con carni, tomales, jerked meat, corn tortillas, beans in many 
forms, were served in home-made clay dishes with gourds for drinking cups. 
In these latter were served chocolate, milk or yerba buena tea. Tea and 
coffee were unknown but sugar was imported; the use of flour began with 
the erection of the first flour mill, after which wheaten bread came into 
general use and adobe ovens were constructed for baking. 

" Each house was provided with a large apartment known as the 
'fandango room,' and this often presented scenes of festivity and mirth. 
The principal occasions for the feasts were weddings and christenings. 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 1 3 

Parents were the chief agents in bringing about weddings. Sweethearts 
were not permitted to speak together except in the presence of parents or 
guardians, and as a precaution marriageable girls were confined in an 
apartment at sunset, but the early ages at which marriages were contracted, 
and their frequency, prove this piece of wisdom to have had little effect. 
Marriage ceremonies were performed at the church. In wealthy families 
the bride was dressed in silk or satin and the groom in velvet. The 
accompanying feasting and dancing lasted sometimes for the space of 
three weeks, during which time the hours trod upon the heels of pleasure. 
For dancing costumes the senoritas preferred either white or gay-colored 
dresses, while los senores wore embroidered white shirts and velvet pants 
slashed to the knee and decorated on both sides with rows of buttons. 
The young people with their dark eyes and rich complexions swung in the 
waltz to music furnished by guitar and violin, while the large rooms were 
lighted only by dipped tallow candles. In all these merry-makings 
cascarones or eggshells, filled with gaily-colored, finely-cut paper, were 
supplied in quantities. Broken above the heads of the senoritas they 
furnished a novel and brilliant hair-decoration, and promoted gayety and 
fun, while they sometimes sold for a high price, which varied with the 
purchaser's regard for the maker. Hospitality coupled with gladness 
welcomed the guests, and at the close of these gay and festive scenes the 
happy couple left the paternal roof to tread the diverse paths of life. 

" Christenings were marked by a similar feast, but of shorter duration. 
Infant baptism was celebrated at the church, at the door of which it was 
customary for the god-father to scatter money. God-parents were expected 
to present only good examples to these children, and to provide -for them 
in case of the inability of the parents to do so, while the children showed 
great respect to their god-parents. The prevailing religion was the Roman 
Catholic, and the monks, a noble army of martyrs, constituted the highest 
officers. One-tenth of the land products was appropriated to the support 
of the clergy, to whose care was committed not only the church govern- 
ment but the instruction of the Indians and others and the temporal wel- 
fare of the red men. The Spanish Californians comprised an athletic race 
of people. Their principal occupation being cattle raising, they neces- 
sarily became expert horsemen. Their horses were fine, and it is claimed 
that they were of x\rabian descent. The women also became fine 
equestrians and learned to love it. The use of spurs was universal, and 
the men made the saddles, which were constructed on a wooden frame, 
while a noticeable characteristic of the ladies' saddles was that the 
pommel was on the right side. 

" The rodeo was a periodical gathering of the cattle which at other 
times roamed at will over the rich pasture lands. They were numbered, 



14 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 

and in order to prevent too immense an increase many were slain or given 
to persons in other districts, while the remainder were branded with the 
owner's mark. Horses were tamed with remarkable ease and rapidity 
and it was an exciting scene to see them raced for that purpose along the 
shelving beaches. When evening came and daily toils were ended these 
people gathered together to review its scenes and relate its incidents. 
Their life was one of simplicity and, in its freedom from care and 
anxiety, from fictitious wants, and from suffering, it was probably the 
happiest in the world. The light of those days has faded and all their 
pleasures ended, while a higher civilization has transformed those familiar 
scenes into marvelous new shapes." 

The wealth and success of these Missions, and the reports of 
the early traders and 'adventurers, had advertised California's delights to 
the world, and foreigners, i. e., Americans, and those of other nationalities, 
began to come in numbers. With them came Yankee push and practicality, 
and the Spanish dolce far niente was rapidly driven to the wall. 
The early American days are full of adventure and our pioneers, many 
of them still living among us as honored citizens, have many interesting 
tales to tell of those times. But space forbids their reproduction here, 
though they certainly should be recorded and garnered ere the Great 
Reaper has swept away those who are able to relate them; the present, 
with its activities, its glowing prospects and its, perhaps, too crowded life, 
comes to the front and bespeaks our notice. 



'-' i '"' ^■ : i'iV l i| ;, 'i^l l iill 


' 


III 








itt 









.*}•« 



GEOGpPiPTIIiliY. 



Santa Cruz County lies very nearly midway between the northern and 
southern boundaries of the State of California, and may claim to be the 
heart of Central California. The 37th parallel of latitude passes through 
the county just north of the city of Santa Cruz. The arbitrary division 
of the State by many writers into " Northern " and " Southern " Call, 
fornia, drawing the imaginary boundary between the two at the northern 
line of Santa Barbara County, and leaving it to be supposed that Santa 
Cruz was included in " Northern California," has given rise to a mistaken 
but very general impression touching the relative geographical position of 
the county which a little study of the map will rectify. Taking the city of 
Santa Cruz as representing the 37th parallel we find that we are one degree or 
80 miles south of San Francisco, which is exactly in the same latitude as 
Richmond, Virginia; that we are about one degree south of St. Louis, 
Mo., ]/ 2 minute of latitude north of " Mason and Dixon's line " and just 
parallel with Cairo, the southernmost town of Illinois. Crossing the 
Atlantic on the same line we should pass directly to Cape St. Vincent, the 
extreme southern point of Portugal; we should be some little distance 
south of Seville in "Sunny Spain," and only a little north of Gibraltar's 
frowning fortress, while six degrees, or over 400 miles to the north, would 
lie Marseilles, Nice, Cannes, Mentone and all that long-famous Riviera 
which has been this spring of '87 so cruelly shaken by earthquake that its 
visiting population, consisting of invalids and pleasure-seekers from the 
world over, have been stricken with terror. Then, still following the 37th, 
we should pass through the southern Mediterranean, southern Sicily and 
southern Greece, the Isle of Rhodes, and finally reach Asia at Smyrna, 
whose delicious figs our own rival in flavor. Looking westward across the 
Pacific we find Tokio, Japan, but one degree south of us. So much for 
our latitudinal position. 

The county lies on the western coast of California, being bounded on 
the west and south by the Pacific Ocean and Monterey Bay; on the north 
and east it is bounded by the Santa Cruz Mountains, which separate it 
from Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. It is divided from Monterey 
County by the Pajaro River. 

TOPOGRAPHICALLY. 

The count}-, thus geographically located, • forms a vast amphitheatre 
containing some 300,000 acres, and sloping from the summits of the 
Santa Cruz range, whose highest elevation, Loma Prieta, is 4,000 feet? 
southward and westward to the Bay of Monterey and the ocean. 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. I 7 

The curving line of shore and the corresponding curve of the mountain 
line enclose an irregularly crescent-shaped tract of country with an 
average width of 20 miles which, for grandeur, beauty and variety of 
scenery, is unequaled by any tract of similar size in the world. 

The innumerable ridges and spurs of the Santa Cruz range are inter- 
sected and furrowed by gorges, canyons and narrow valleys, trending for 
the most part seaward. The sides of these are closely set with forests of 
pine, redwood, madrona and other trees, the redwoods having, in many 
cases, attained gigantic growth. These forests merge into picturesque 
live-oak openings, whose graceful trees, draped with grey moss, beautify 
the softer curves of the foot-hills that form the outpost of the parent range and 
guard the exit into the open country of the many sparkling streams which 
find their way from their sources in the mountains, through gloomy gorge 
and sunlit valley down to the sea. It can well be imagined that as these 
streams bring down with them the rich alluvial loam which is the deposit 
of ages of forest decay, they form broad valleys which in their normal 
condition are smiling with native grasses and flowers and, as soon as 
" tickled with a hoe," yield phenomenal agricultural results. These 
abundant streams are, agriculturally as well as topographically, a very 
important feature of the county; watering, as they do, every section of 
land, they preclude the necessity for irrigation which exists in so 
many portions of California and insure against loss from the " dry 
years " which sometimes occurs in the history of the State, a loss of crops 
not having been known in the history of this county. Besides these larger 
streams the living springs of purest water are almost innumerable. 

Nearing the coast there are many interesting topographical features. 
The leagues of wide, high, wind-swept grassy plateaus which form our 
remarkable grazing and dairy lands; the succession of chalk terraces which 
mark pre-historic sea-beaches and are of great geological and paleon- 
tological interest; the broad, amphitheatrical valley of the Pajaro with its 
chain of fresh-water lakes fed from subterranean mountain sources; the 
salt lagunas picturesque in configuration, and surrounded by park-like 
groves of hoary, moss-fringed live-oaks; the high sandstone cliffs along 
the shore, outposts of a continent, carved by surf and storm into curious 
caves, arches, bridges and other rock architecture, and revealing in 
sheltered pools the most wonderfully-furnished salt-water aquaria; the 
magnificent sand beaches, forming safest bathing grounds and miles of 
magnificent ocean drives, all these are material for close and delightful 
investigation by the scientist or the less scholarly seeker after the curious, 
the beautiful and the delightful. 



S7IW GRIIZ FOR ^EjttliT^ 



Restoration for Invalids ai?d Strength for tfee fflell 



It is not alone the invalid, discouraged and disheartened by the 
constant set-backs encountered in a country where climatic conditions are 
unfavorable, who longs and seeks for a healthful climate. The home- 
seeker, the parent, perhaps, of a young family, the members of which 
he would fain see grow into strong and healthy men and women, while, 
at the same time, they are surrounded with the conditions for the highest 
moral and mental development, — such a home-seeker looks, first of all, 
to the reputed climate of any localities to which his attention may have 
been drawn. The elements which enter into this combination, which we 
denominate " a healthful climate," are many and various, and it is seldom 
that any one tract of country is so blessed as to embrace them all or even 
a majority of them. When we claim for Santa Cruz County, as a whole, 
a greater number of these elements of healthfulness than is possessed by 
any similar tract of country in the world, we are prepared with facts and 
figures which, we believe, amply sustain such a claim; but no array of 
facts and figures can be so convincing as personal trial and investigation, 
and, if our assertions, supported by the statistics that we bring, induce our 
readers to come hither and see for themselves what a year in this county 
means, we feel sure not only of their concurrence in our statements, but 
of their gratitude for having drawn their attention to the facts. 

The most noticeable features of our climate and those which distinguish the 
county not only from other localities in the same latitude throughout the 
world bu\ from other portions of our own much-favored State, will be 
commented upon here briefly but comprehensively. Foremost among these 
notable features is the equability of temperature, both daily and yearly. 
To give an approximate idea of the exceptional evenness enjoyed by the 
county we shall first give figures which are the result of carefully made 
averages from exact records kept for many consecutive years, following 
them with illustrative facts gleaned from the experience of the oldest 
residents. These figures are mainly gathered in the city of Santa Cruz, 
but are representatives of almost the entire county — some differences in 
temperature and humidity resulting from variation in elevation and aspect 
of various localities being hereafter treated of. 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 



r 9 



The mercury's range during the year is from 28 degrees F. abo\'e zero 
to 88 degrees above. The mean annual temperature for a term of years 
was 59.5 degrees F. For the year 1886 the mean temperature was 59.21 
degrees. 

The variation between the three warmest months, July, August and 
September, and the three coldest, December, January and February, is 
shown by the averages which are 62 degrees above for the summer months 
and 52 degrees above for the winter months, a difference of only ten 
degrees. 

In the year 1884 Capt. Geo. H. Sagar, an experienced navigator and 
expert meteorological observer, made the following comparative record of 
observations taken in January and July, which may be considered to repre- 
sent the extremes of temperature for the year: 

Highest observation at 7 a. m. 
Lowest observation at 7 a. m. 
Mean of all observations, 7 a. m. 

Highest observations at 2 p. m. 
Lowest observations at 2 p. m. 
Mean of all observations, '2 p. m. 

Highest observation at 9 p. M. 
Lowest observation at 9 p. at. 
Mean of all observations, 9 p. m. 

Average mean for day 54 65 

This fairly represents any other year than the one when the record was 
made, since we have no snow storms, blizzards, cyclones or "hot waves" to 
lower or heighten the record of any given season. To bring our figures 
down to the latest dates, we give the thermometrical record of 1886: 



Jan. 


Jnlv 


59 


64 


37 


52 


47 


57 


I'l 


86 


56 


67 


65 


78 


60 


68 


40 


56 


57 


61 





Jan. 


Feb. 


Mar. 


Apr. 


May. 


June 


July. 


Aug. 


sept. 


Oct. 


Nov. 


Dee. 


A v. Temp. 
A. M. 


45.77 


aM 


43.64 


50.70 


55.54 


56.20 


57.61 


50.40 


50.06 


47.80 


45.06 


4,ro 


Av. Temp. 
Noon. 


61.22 


66.07 


62.48 


63.93 


70.,, 


77.4(1 


79.71 


78.60 


74. 


70.20 


68.60 


00.00 


Av. Temp. 
P. >r. 


52.67 


59.01 


54.87 


5S.76 


61.38 


65.70 


62.48 


60. 


53.85 


51.00 


53.04 


51.07 


Maximum 
for mo. 


OS. 


77. 


72. 


74. 


85. 


83. 


87. 


87. 


98.* 


80. 


70. 


75,00 


Minimum 
for mo. 


•">2. 


42. 


35. 


41. 


48. 


53. 


51. 


51. 


45. 


30. 


39. 


37. 


Mean for 
mo. 


53.56 


57.07 


53.65 


57.80 


62.44 


66.43 


(ii.lil 


65. 


50.7,) 


50. SO 


55.70 





"••"•< >n the 7th, one of The hottest days ever known in Santa Cruz. 

The following figures, representing the mean temperature of January 
and July in Mentone, the famed sanitarium of the Mediterranean, St. 
Paul (Minn.), St. Augustine (Florida) and also in San Diego, Santa 



2 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 

Barbara and Santa Cruz (Cal.), afford matter for consideration, and present 
forcibly the claims of Santa Cruz for equability of annual temperature: 

Jan . July. 

San Diego 57° 65° 

.Santa Barbara 56 (36 

St. Augustine 59 77 

St. Paul 13 73 

Mentone 30 69 

Los Angeles 55 67 

Santa Cruz 54 65 

The wonderful evenness shown by these figures is illustrated by the 
very slight changes of clothing necessary for the different seasons, these 
changes being best made, experience teaches, in the. way of outside wraps; 
the same underclothing — a medium quality in weight — being, for healthy 
people, comfortable throughout the year. Many afternoons during summer, 
and especially in September — usually the warmest month — are adapted to 
the wear of light outer garments, but it is generally found necessary to 
don something warmer as evening approaches. The nights throughout the 
year are absolutely perfect in temperature for comfortable sleep. A pair 
of blankets is always necessary, and during the colder nights these must be 
supplemented by an extra covering, but with the mercury seldom going 
below 30 degrees F. above zero it is evident that frosted window-panes, 
icy-water pitchers and tons of bedding are things of which a Santa Cruzan 
knows nothing save through Eastern memories, while the close, hot nights 
of an Eastern summer, when one swelters under a linen sheet through the 
long hours, to awake unrefreshed for another struggle through the sultry 
day, are equally unknown. The claim often made by writers on Southern 
California, that our summers are warmer and our winters colder than in 
that country, is absolutely unsupportable by facts or figures. The 
immediate proximity of the high Sierra, with its unfailing snows, to the 
southern country, renders its liable to an occasional sudden decrease in 
temperature from which Santa Cruz County is entirely exempt. The 
reason for this is not far to seek. The Sierra which, in the south ap- 
proaches so near the coast, here, in Central California, is separated from 
us by the hot wide valley of the San Joaquin, across which the land breezes 
must blow before reaching us. Crossing our Santa Cruz Range these 
winds meet a vast condenser which precipitates their moisture in gentle, 
life-giving rains and sends us the breezes, still invigorating, but with the 
icy tinge all taken out of them. In summer the Coast Range is still our 
friend, protecting us from the hot winds of the desert, and conserving in 
its forest shades an inexhaustible water-supply which is one of our greatest 
advantages. 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 2 1 

WRITING THE STORY IN FLOWERS. 

Vegetation, in Santa Cruz County, writes the story, month by month, of 
a phenomenal equability of temperature; a story, the letter press of which is 
in living and perennial green, while the illustration is in all the glory of 
luxuriant bud and blossom. 

In an old and neglected garden in Santa Cruz there stand three 
bushes of tea roses, of the Safrano variety, and three others of the pure 
white Lamarque. From January, 1886, to January, 1887, there was not 
one morning that buds or blossoms were not culled from one or the other of 
all of these six rose trees. This is not an exceptional case. In the por- 
tion of this pamphlet devoted to Floriculture for pleasure and profit these 
facts will be enlarged upon, but just here, as an illustration of the topic in 
hand, we may say that, among plants known as tender ones in the Eastern 
States, we have here, growing out of doors throughout the year, and peren- 
nial in :heir bloom, all the varieties of rare hot-house roses, heliotrope, smilax, 
fuschias, callas, geraniums, pelargoniums, (the last three " spreading " so 
that they must be kept in check like weeds), many sorts of begonia and 
coleus, while, although we have not yet laid claim to a position in any 
particular "citrus belt,'* we have a good showing of blooming and bearing, 
orange and lemon trees growing in gardens throughout the county. 

Not only our vegetable growth but the wonderful perfection of our 
live-stock and the magnificent health, growth and appearance of those human 
plants — the children — bear testimony to the evenness of a climate where 
their lives are almost absolutely spent out of doors throughout the year. 
Even when the winter rains come the children, like the ducks, rejoice in 
them and grow apace. Another illustration in point is the number of very 
old native Californians still living here, and those who have died at ages 
authentically recorded as very great. One of our local characters is " Old 
Chapa," (Josepha) who wanders about our streets with a " buenas dias " for 
every one, and who lives upon the constant contributions of our citizens. 
She is more than a hundred years old, and has sons and daughters who are 
aged men and women. Senora Felez died two years ago at the age of 104; 
Justiniano Roxas died in 1875 at tne advanced age of 123, and the record 
might be almost indefinitely extended. The number of those who have 
come to our county almost at death's door with pulmonary and other 
diseases, and have recovered to enjoy an active life here, is very great, but 
no special record of such cases has been kept. It is not only the equa- 
bility of climate here, but the wonderfully invigorating quality of the air at 
all seasons of the year which prolongs life and makes it the keenest of 
pleasures simply to live. The proximity of the sea, with its bracing salt 
breezes on the one hand, and of vast forests of coniferous trees with their 
aromatic and healing breath on the other, is a combination of conditions 



22 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 

favorable to the formation or restoration of health seldom found. The 
divisions of California seasons into two, viz: the dry and the rainy, has 
become a pretty well-known fact, but much misapprehension exists as to 
these seasons, especially the latter, which is very popularly supposed to be 
■ a continuous down-pour of weeks in duration. There are, of course, the 
very rainy winters and the " dry " ones, which, are the extremes, but a fairly 
average vear may be described briefly thus: 

The first good " soaking '* shower is likely to come about the middle of 
October, though light ones may have fallen as early as the first of the 
month. This rain ushers in a season which is enchantment itself, when the 
soft haze and nameless charm of an Eastern u Indian Summer " are added 
to the brightness of early spring; when the grasses spring green from the 
sun-embrowned hill-sides, the flower buds, held back by the rainless weeks 
of summer, burst into a glory of bloom, the whole atmosphere is odorous 
with violet and honeysuckle and mignonette and, in all the town gardens, 
■ the brown moist earth is being upturned, the luxuriant growth of shrubbery 
pruned and the smoke of burning brush piles rises like incense in the soft 
air. It is happiness to exist, and to be able to spend the sunny hours out 
of doors, where to all these delights are added the far-off sparkle of the 
blue Pacific waters and the soft music of the surf, as it steals gently up the 
shore of the bay. All through November we are likely to have this ideal 
weather, an occasional shower falling at night; by the first of December 
these rains increase in frequency, though many days are quite as charming 
as those described. Occasionally an early riser will see white frost on 
house tops and sidewalks and, if he be a stranger, a wonderful incongruity 
will strike him. In other lands, frost, even so light a one, is accompanied 
by blackened vines and deadened flower stalks, but here the roofs of 
the houses, white with frost, will look down upon fresh green lawns, where 
great marguerite bushes stand white with blossoms, palm trees lift their 
tropical heads, heliotrope makes sweet the air, ind rose-buds open gaily. 
The explanation of this apparent phenomenon lies, doubtless, in the 
proximity of a vast body of salt water which equalizes the temperature and 
prevents damage. January, in the average year, brings perhaps two or 
three weeks of pretty continuous rain. The fire-place is filled with live- 
oak sticks or manzanita roots, and a cheery blaze drives all the dampness 
from the house, while indoor pleasures and occupations receive some 
attention, and the matron finds this an auspicious time to become 
acquainted with her sewing machine. Light overcoats or waterproofs, thick 
boots, rubber overshoes and umbrellas are in fashion, but there is nothing 
to interfere with the regular avocations of the business man, or the pupil at 
school, and a supreme contentment is visible everywhere, since "the rains 
have come and we are sure of a good year."' By the first week in February- 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 23 

the <; early rains '* have expended themselves, and another season of enchant- 
ing weather is upon us. Washington's Birthday, the 2 2d of February, has 
been noticeably a perfect day for picnic parties for a number of years, and 
for some time before that date the weather is usually absolutely perfect. 
The hills and valleys have taken on their richest green, the earliest wild 
flowers begin to show themselves, golden buttercups and orange-colored 
eschscholtzias gem the wayside grasses, grain crops are springing and 
growing finely, fields are being plowed for later crops and vegetables, fruit 
trees are bursting into a glory of bloom, and the daylight hours are all too 
short for the myriad enjoyments offered by shore and sea. In March the 
" later rains " are likely to begin, and an occasional windy day visits us, 
the faint reflex of the gales blowing in San Francisco, whose force is broken 
for us by our protecting mother range of mountains. The markets are 
crowded with freshest spring vegetables and luscious strawberries, oranges 
and lemons, while in the East the wearied appetite seeks in vain for fresh 
grown vegetable food, unless in the largest markets where importations from 
more favored lands command an almost fabulous price. April is the 
month of months; with a showery night now and then, the sunniest days? 
the greenest fields and hills, the myriad glories of a native flora to which 
nc justice can ever be done by pen or brush, town gardens laden with 
unnumbered cultivated blooms and roses — no such roses, we claim, can be 
found in the round world. Some attempt to give an idea of their growth 
and beauty is given under the proper heading. With the coming of May 
the rainy season is virtually over, and waterproofs and umbrellas retreat to 
the recesses of attic wardrobes for six months, and plans for out-door life 
no longer include the proviso — perennial in less favored lands — " if it does 
not rain." Sometimes a belated shower intrudes itself into May or even 
June, but it is treated as a practical joke on the' part of the clerk of the 
weather. 

THE RAINFALL. 

The average annual rainfall is twenty-four inches For 1886 the record 
of the rainfall was 23.94 inches. During December and the first part of 
January of 1886-87, the long succession of weeks of sunshine and delight- 
ful moonlit nights gave rise to some prophecies of a " dry " winter, which 
was, however, dispelled by a copious rain which fell on the 19th and 20th 
of January. But, to Santa Cruz County, a dry winter means much less 
than to the rest of the State. Our interests are so varied, our county so 
well and systematically watered by unfailing streams, and our soil so deep 
with the vegetable decay of the ages, that our enjoyment of the exquisite 
brightness and beauty of the weather in a " dry year " need not be marred 
by apprehensions of pecuniary loss. During these weeks of sunshine 
illness is at a minimum, invalids who have come hither seeking restoration 



24 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 

find the conditions of atmosphere and salt water exactly suited to their 
needs in many cases, and those already enjoying good health pursue their 
avocations uninterruptedly and with positive delight. That the summers, 
though rainless, are not hot, has already been proved by the figures given, 
but figures fail to give an adequate idea of their delight. The fog 
which comes in, freighted with salt from its contact with the Pacific, is as 
little like the malaria-laden fogs from an Eastern marsh as it is like the 
hot, dry winds of the inland valleys of California. During the summer 
months it prevails often during the mornings until nine o'clock or a little 
later, making the atmosphere cool, bracing and invigorating, keeping 
fresh all vegetation and rendering labor easy. At nine o'clock or there- 
abouts the fog rolls away in clouds, the sun shines out and eleven o'clock 
finds people on the sunny sea-beach ready for their bath in the surf or 
pursuing their avocations and pleasures under skies as bright as early 
spring. At night it often comes in again, and a wrap is comfortable during 
the evening — or, once in a long while, a light wood fire, while, as before 
said, a pair of blankets are the acme of comfort for sleep. The salt fogs, 
to most people, are the invigorating and bracing feature of our climate; to 
many invalids they furnish exactly the tonic that they need. Epidemics of 
any sort are practically impossible — and, as a matter of fact, are unknown 
in the county. There is a class of invalids, in an advanced stage of throat 
or catarrhal troubles, who, during the prevalence of the fogs, should keep 
at a little distance from, and a slight elevation above the sea, but they need 
no': go out of the county to find such locations. Indeed the summer life in 
the mountains and foot-hills is as charming as it is healthful. The long 
rainless season takes away the only drawback to that open air or tent life 
which is recommended so often to invalids, while the healing breath of the 
pines and redwoods is a remedy constantly administered to the sufferer, not 
only without inconvenience to himself but with a positive delight in the 
inhalation; the abundance of fresh and pure water and the accessibility of 
the many mineral spring; of different sorts which abound throughout the 
county, and the readiness with which the " busy haunts of men " may be 
reached, if desired, all are conditions which render this life more easily- 
attainable here than in most other countries; while, perhaps, the greatest 
good received by those who seek it is from the stillness and rest, the 
nearness to the grandeur and beauty of nature, and the soothing influences 
of the surroundings. 

To show that the fogs herein described are, by no means, a constant 
factor in our summer weather, it is only necessary to give an accurately 
kept record of the summer weather of 1886: Two "foggy" days- 
morning and evening — were recorded in May; in June ten mornings were 
foggy at 7 a. m., every day in the month was clear at midday, eleven days 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 2$ 

were absolutely clear throughout, without either cloud or fog; Jul)- was a 
month of unbroken clearness during the middle of the day — light clouds 
or fogs obscuring the morning or evening hours of a few days only; during 
August the most of the mornings and evenings were clear; only once was 
fog seen in the middle of the day; September, which this year was hardly as 
pleasant as usual, showed eight days entirely clear, one continuously cloudy 
day, and three middays partially obscured. What sea-coast town can make 
a better showing even if the fogs were regarded as deleterious, which is the 
fact only in isolated cases of disease. To continue the record of " clear 
or cloudy," October showed fifteen absolutely clear days, five days on 
which slight rains fell, three partly cloudy ones, the rest fair. November 
gave twenty perfectly clear days, two continuously cloudy ones, rain on one 
day, the rest fair. December proved "as pleasant as May," with thirteen 
entirely clear days, eight cloudy ones, rainfall on five different days and the 
rest fair. 

The elevation of Loma Prieta, the highest peak in the county, is 4,000 
feet. Ben Lomond is 2,200 feet, the Summit and Highland districts are a 
little less in elevation; from these heights down to the sea, eligible homes 
are to be found at all altitudes. The air becomes cooler by one degree 
for every 250 feet of elevation, and humidity, as derived from the ocean, 
decreases as we go inland. Knowing these conditions, the invalid 
may select, in Santa Cruz County, almost any variation of climate which 
may suit his physical condition. 

Surf bathing, the unequalled facilities for which have rendered the 
Santa Cruz beach famous for many years, and a resort during the vacation 
months of summer for people from the East, from Europe and from all 
over the Pacific Coast, is not only a delight but an important factor in the 
health resources of the county. The value of surf bathing as a remedial 
agent is acknowledged by all medical men, and sufferers from almost 
unnumbered forms of disease have tried its efficacy with excellent results. 
But on the Atlantic Coast this remedy can be used but for a limited 
portion of the year. Here in Santa Cruz it is not merely in " summer 
seas " that people bathe in the surf, the " season " extends, practically, from 
the first day of January to the last of December. It is not so certain a 
thing in winter, when, for a week or two, a heavy surf or a continuous rain 
storm may interfere, but there is but a small portion of the winter when 
bathers are not in the water during the midday hours. Such extracts as 
the following from the Santa Cruz Daily Surf of Dec. 31, 1886, are 
common in the daily journals during the winter season: "A party of 
bathers was in the surf this morning and report the water as being 
delightful." 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 27 

Of the prevailing winds of this region, Dr. C. L. Anderson an un- 
doubted and accepted authority, has written in full. Following is a con- 
densation of his account, copied from a handbook issued some years ago by 
Mr. Henry Meyrick: "The cool, dry "trade winds " that blow from the 
nonhwest pretty constantly during the summer months, pass Santa Cruz a 
little to seaward, across the bay and up the Salinas Valley. The timber- 
covered mountains, on the northerly side, break and temper these winds, 
while the strong air-current, passing a mile or two outside, produces an 
eddy, near the center of which, during a great part of the time, stands the 
city of Santa Cruz. These important points, the movements of the air- 
currents, have been closely observed by Prof. Davidson of the Coast Sur- 
vey. The circling currents are always mild, warmed by the land and sun, 
and they are highly favorable to vegetation. Santa Barbara has the advan- 
tage of similar currents. 

With a strong "norVester " blowing down the Pacific, its currents just 
touching the capes and promontories, the " white caps " distinctly visible a 
mile or two outside, we find Santa Cruz and its entire bay shore enjoying, 
if not a perfect calm, at most a mild, gentle breeze. Of course, at certain 
seasons, generally preceding or during heavy rains, Santa Cruz gets a 
good, steady, wholesome and pleasant blow, usually from the S. or S. E., 
but the general climate will be found exactly as described, quite free from 
excessive or bad winds, especially such as the siroccos which blow from 
the deserts eastward; indeed they are seldom felt north of Santa Barbara* 
certainly never on the Bay of Monterey." 



SJUJTTI G^ttZ FO^ TOURISTS. 



The wonders, delights and charms in store for the tourist who visits 
California have become established facts, and it has grown to be as much 
the proper thing for the " globe-trotter " to "do" California as for him to 
make the " regular Swiss round," cross the Alps into Italy, spend a winter 
on the Mediterranean or a summer in Norway. But the traveler who 
simply makes a guide-book trip through our State errs as greatly as he who 
thinks, because he has been a " Cook's tourist " for a six weeks' jaunt 
through Europe, that he knows all there is to be known of that wonderful 
land. 

We de-iire, here, to present the claims of Santa Cruz City and County 
to those who are traveling simply for the pleasure to be gleaned from 
grand, beautiful or novel scenery, delightful surroundings, and easy access 
to the very heart of a tract of country so varied in its aspect as to present 
an epitome of the best of all these conditions. 

The Aipine scenery of the Santa Cruz range of mountains lacks the 
everlasting snows which top the great scenic range of Europe, but a still 
greater charm is here in the combination with the broadest and most 
magnificent marine views which, at every new turn and elevation as the 
explorer ascends or descends, are presented in ever changing grandeur and 
beauty. A gentleman who, on Sunday, Jan. 23d of this year of '87, 
witnessed for the first time a sunset from the crest of Ben Lomond says: 
" I have seen the sun set from the summit of Mt. Snowdon, in Wales, from 
the Grampian Hills in Srotland, from the Roc!;y Mountains in America, 
and behind the snow-capped summits of the Sieira Nevadas, but all were 
tame — absolutely tame — compared to the awe-inspiring grandeur of this 
scene where, on one hand, range after range of roseate and purple-hued 
mountains rolled away inland and, on the other, there spread out into 
illimitable space the broad Pacific, and sea and sky were illuminated with 
the wonderful tints of the departing sun." The whole semi-circular range 
of the mountains is full of interest and variety; from the summit of Ben 
Lomond one looks over twenty miles of ridge and valley and canyon to 
Mount Bache or Loma Prieta, the highest peak in the county; across the 
Bay of Monterey rise the Santa Lucia Mountains from 3,000 to 4,000 feet 
high, while to the left the Gabilan Range, where in '47 Fremont spent the 
winter, stands out in bold relief the sentinels of the Salinas and Pajaro 
Valleys. Erom the city of Santa Cruz the peaks of the Monte Diablo 
Range are seen, sixty miles away. All through the Santa Cruz Range fine 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 29 

roads render the wonders and beauties of the mountain land accessible — 
some of the grades, carved out of the solid cliff-sides, winding up and 
around at dizzy heights rival the celebrated Mt. Cenis road, while at every 
turn the traveler finds himself gazing down into canyons as deep and 
gloomy as the far-famed Gorge of Gonde; across smiling valleys whence 
rise the smoke from pretty hamlets, villages and vineyards, or out and over 
the magic stretch of blue sea or bluer bay. 

The forests which clothe the mountain side are of giant redwoods 
interspersed with graceful madronas, laurels of centuries' growth, live oaks 
hoary with Druid moss and many other varieties hereinafter described in 
detail. 

THE BIG TREES. 

The wonderful " Big Tree " grove, only five miles by rail from the city 
of Santa Cruz and one of the features of the magnificent scenic beauty of 
" Powder Mill Canyon," exemplifies the possibilities of the Sequoia 
Sempervirens when at its best and most unobstructed growth. This 
particular grove covers an extent of twenty acres and numbers scores of 
trees from ten to over twenty feet in diameter. The largest, " The Giant," 
is three hundred feet high and twenty-one feet in diameter, and there are 
many others that closely approach it in size. It is amusing to see the 
incredulous tourist, who strongly suspects that he has been listening to or 
reading a " California yarn," as he approaches this wonderful group, tape 
measure in hand, determined that there shall be " no foolishness " about 
the measurements he takes. He measures, he stands afar off and tries to 
look at the top, he paces around its base, he disposes the members of his 
party, if there be enough of them, in such a way that, with arms out- 
stretched and finger tips just touching, they embrace the huge circumfer- 
ence and finds that it takes [8 or 19 well-grown human beings to encircle 
it, then he brings out his tape measure again, and — at last — -he believes. 
One gentleman, who had been through all these successive stages from 
incredulity to conviction, said to a Santa Cruz gentleman who accompanied 
the party " And you say that they have bigger trees than this at Calaveras?" 
" So they claim," said the Santa Cruzan, "I have never been there." 
Turning to his wife, the tourist said, " Well, my dear, I guess we won't go 
to Calaveras; these are big enough for me /" Historic interest is lent to the 
grove in that it was the camping place of Gen. Fremont in 1847 ; his own 
home was in a giant hollow tree which bears his name still. A whole 
family lived for some months in another tree which is pointed out to the 
visitor near the little hotel where rest and refreshment are always to be 
had. The peculiar growth of several groups in this grove, standing as they 
do in a circle, with their roots intermingling, seems to point to the 
probability that they, gigantic as they seem, are but younger children of 



30 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 

some giant mother whose proportions would have dwarfed them to 
pigmies. This peculiarity of redwood growth is apparent everywhere in 
the forests of to-day; no sooner has one of the mighty ones fallen than 
there spring up around its roots a circle of tall young shoots, representing 
all the features of the parent tree. Those who have explored the " Big 
Basin,'" a vast tract of totally unbroken virgin forest northeast of the 
mountain village of Boulder, say that other groves showing individual 
specimens quite as large as those here described are to be found there. 

Leaving the higher mountains, their gorges, canyons, forests and 
sparkling streams, the traveler comes down to the softly rolling foot-hills 
which lie at the base of the range. These are a continually changing 
panorama, green with the winter grains and grasses, emblazoned with the 
wonderful native flora of the spring months, yellow with the ripened 
harvests of summer, then brown and sere in their fall dress of stubble, 
waiting for the life-giving rains of October and November. Many of 
these have had their fecund soil improved until they smile with fruit farms 
or vineyards, — hospitable homes, where a small capital and plenty of 
energy have evolved many beauties, or where wealthy people have made 
picturesque retreats in which they may rest from the cares and excitements 
of city life. These foot-hills lower and spread out into valleys and mesas 
of wonderful beauty. Of the many valleys strung along the curve of the 
bay shore like jewels on a thread, the largest and most perfect is that of 
Pajaro, described very fully elsewhere in this book. All along the coast 
are pleasant villages, each with its own charm and all within easy access of 
either Santa Cruz or Watsonville. These are described in their proper 
places, and the visitor will find them well worth the time spent in finding 
them. The pedestrian finds miles upon miles of delightful walking 
opened up to him in Santa Cruz and its environs, and we venture to assert 
that in no other town of its size in the Union will he find anything to 
compare with the excellence of the side and crosswalks, so that the rains 
of winter do not prevent his indulgence in his favorite pleasure. Indeed, 
driving, riding and walking are as delightful as possible throughout the 
year and, unless in exceptionally muddy or exceptionally dusty seasons, 
where one has penetrated beyond the pavements or the road sprinkler, little 
inconvenience of any kind is experienced. 

THE FASHIONABLE SEASON. 

We have said that the pleasures of Santa Cruz County are perennial, 
and that the charms of our late fall, winter and early spring months are 
each year attracting more attention from travelers who desire to escape the 
rigors and inconveniences of these months. But many circumstances 
combine to make the summer the "fashionable season " on this coast as 
with the rest of the world. Excepting for that comparatively small class 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 3 I 

wno are entirely exempt from business or professional cares, the summer is 
the only vacation time of the year. The closing of the schools and the 
courts is the signal for an annual hegira and, in California, Santa Cruz is, 
to a great majority, the Mecca of this summer pilgrimage. From San 
Francisco fogs and winds and interior heats the peopb escape to lave in 
the surf, to breathe a balmy yet invigorating air, and to enjoy the number- 
less pleasures of sea and shore. By the first of June the " season " is in 
full swing; hotels and boarding houses are filbd with guests; streets are gay 
with ladies and children in the latest and prettiest of summer costumes, 
the little folks armed with spade and bucket for the unending delight of 
digging in the sand; open street cars pass down the avenue every five 
minutes loaded " to the guards " with those who seek the surf, the beach, 
the bathing houses and the river, while equipages of every description dash 
up and down the fine pavement of the avenue, and equestrians and 
pedestrians fill the intervening spaces. The beach and the surf bathing have 
been elsewhere described and need not be enlarged upon here. It should 
be mentioned that, for those who desire a quieter bathing spot than the 
surf, there is ample opportunity just above the trestle-work bridge of the 
S. P. R. R., which crosses the San Lorenzo River near its mouth. The 
street cars take passengers to this fine bathing spot, where the water is 
always quiet but is strongly tinged with salt, and bathing houses and 
costumes are provided. The river for a mile from its mouth also fur- 
nishes delightful boating. Boats are on hire during most of the year, and 
bonfires and music often add to the charm in the evenings. Our fine 
country and sea-coast drives are resorted to both day and evening, while 
the Big Trees, the beaches, Isbel Grove and the numberless other fine 
picnic grounds are daily the scene of the most charming open-air parties. 
The pretty suburbs of Camp Alhambra, Seabright and Seabright Park 
have their gay little cottages overlooking the bay filled with residents, 
and throughout the town those who own or rent summer homes have set- 
tled down to two or three months of a delightful life, which goes far to 
make the rest of the year bearable to them, wherever it may be spent. 
Moonlight drives and " hay rides ' ' to our neighboring resort, Capitola, to 
Soquel, Aptos and Watsonville with its "Camp Goodall,"' are a standard 
amusement, and boating on the river, with music and torchlight accom- 
paniments, is another evening pleasure. As for dancing, the delightful 
coolness cf our evenings renders it a positive pleasure, and the six dancing 
nights of the week are usually fully filled with hops at the various hotels, 
the bath-houses, with their commodious ball-rooms, and other convenient 
places. 

It will be readily believed that beautiful Monterey Bay offers fine facil- 
ities for yachting, and the "white wings'" visit us yearly. The Pacific 



32 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 



Yacht Club of San Francisco makes Santa Cruz an annual summer visit, 
usually timing it so as to spend the National mid-summer holiday here, 
and indulge in a regatta with accompanying pleasures. Occasionally an 
encampment of the National Guard adds to the season's gaieties, and alto- 
gether the little city is in quite a whirl of excitement until the close of sum- 
mer. 




Among the inducements for the tourist, not the least is the fishing 
offered by our bay and the many streams that wind their way seaward from 
the mountains, all of them teeming with the finest brook trout. Mr. 
Henry Meyrick has so well described the pleasures in store for the angler 
that I makenoapology for substituting his language for anything I might say: 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 33 

"Along the cliffs, from the points of jutting rocks and from the 
wharves, good sea fishing is constantly to be had ; there are perch of 
various kinds, smelt, torn cod, sea bass, rock fish and one of the finest and 
gamest of sea fishes, the barracuda, is frequently taken here by trawling. 
To enjoy deep sea fishing, it is only necessary to make an arrangement for 
a visitor's seat in the safe, commodious ana picturesque Doat of some 
Italian or Portuguese fisherman, and go with him to his fishing grounds, 
from one-half to three miles from shore, where he catches some of the 
choicest fish supplied to the San Francisco and other markets, including 
pompanos, several sorts of mackerel, sole, halibut, bonita, blue fish and 
many others. Crabs of splendid size and quality can always be taken in 
reasonably smooth water from the wharves with baited crab nets. This 
crab is to most people a delicious luxury. So much for sea fishing." 

Since the first settlement of California, Santa Cruz County has been 
known as the fishermen's paradise of the Pacific Coast, abounding in first- 
rate trout streams. Within a range of thirty miles of coast, extending from 
Aptos on the south to Pigeon Point on the northwest, there are upwards of 
twenty streams rising in the mountains and emptying into the ocean, and 
into any of them the skillful angler may cast his line with a generally safe 
prospect of a catch. Mountain brook trout of the speckled variety abound 
in all the creeks heading in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and, at certain sea- 
sons, are very plentiful in the lagoons at the mouths of those streams. 
The lagoons at the outlets of the Laguna and Waddell Creeks are, dur- 
ing the summer months, alive with fish, and in these places ladies and 
children can fish successfully without danger of fatigue. In these lagoons, 
and others of the same kind, fine salmon trout are plentiful in their season, 
and are often captured far up the streams, having worked their passage 
during the fall or spawning season. 

Splendid catches are frequently made on these mountain streams. 
On one authentic occasion a hundred and fifty fine trout were taken within 
a couple of hours out of a tributary of the Soquel creek. A number of 
the best trout streams are situated within easy walking distance of Santa 
Cruz: The San Lorenzo, running right through the city, the Branciforte 
creek, emptying into the San Lorenzo, inside the city limits, the Soquel, 
Aptos and Zayante, within eight miles of town, and distant still farther the 
Newell, Boulder, Bean, Bear, Major's, Laguna, San Vicente, Scott's, Big, 
Little and Waddell Creeks with their tributaries, and all of these afford good 
fishing through their entire length. 

Higher up in the mountains, on the head-waters and tributaries of all 
these streams, the fish are smaller but more plentiful, and up there the 
more adventurous followers of "the gentle craft " will find a few days' goo d 



34 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 

sport amidst grand and varied scenery, for through this region the scenery 
is just as good as the fishing, and the true and enthusiastic angler, always 
a lover of Nature and the beautiful, can feast his eyes and heart on the 
picturesque as he fills his basket with the " speckled beauties," forgetting 
all fatigue in the midst of good sport and delightful scenery. The 
hunter is not less happy than the angler in the mountains and 
valleys. Quail, pigeons, rabbits, deer in great abundance, wild ducks and 
other game in season reward the expert who seeks them. 

VARIOUS EXCURSIONS. 

Among the many excursions which visitors may enjoy we may 
mention first that to the " Big Tree Grove," already described here, and 
easily accessible by a picturesque drive past " Sycamore Flat " and the 
Powder Mills, following the windings of the San Lorenzo. It may also 
be reached by the trains of the S. P. C. R. R. Refreshments may be 
had at the Grove, or a lunch taken and a day's picnic enjoyed. 

Another pleasant day out of doors may be spent in a trip to Moore's 
Beach, where the charm is that of the sea rather than of mountain and forest. 
There are " natural arches " in the sandstone cliffs and much other inter- 
esting rock architecture; the most wonderful of natural aquaria, where, as 
the tide recedes, the mysteries of sea-life are revealed in little pools and 
caverns filled with the dainty-hued sea anemones, and myriad other forms 
of growth. 

Numerous other beaches are attractive, and an object of interest is the 
" Natural Bridge," some four miles " up the coast.'" It is a span over the 
mouth of a short gulch, and is well worth seeing. The surf flows under 
the arch at high tide, a short distance up the gulch, washing beautiful 
pebbles and shells. The rocks under the arch are covered with limpets, 
barnacles, snails and many other curious things. The beaches on either 
side of this bridge are full of interest to those who would spend an hour 
or two in walking the sands or climbing the rocks. Other pleasures in 
store for either summer or winter visitors are indicated in the following 
extract from an article in the Del Monte Wave, headed "In and About 
Santa Cruz.'' It will be noticed that December is the time specially 
mentioned, but it is equally applicable to " all the year round." 

Driving is a royal pleasure during these days of sunshine and nights of 
moonlight. Every one who has heard of Santa Cruz knows of the " Cliff 
Road," where you can spin for several miles at the very edge of the wave- 
worn, sand-stone cliffs, out past the light-house, which marks the headland 
of Monterey Bay, and beyond which the long Pacific swell breaks into 
white spray against the reefs and rocks, with a force gathered on the coast 
of the far Orient. During that portion of the month when the lowest tiie 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 35 

has occurred, at the hour of sunset a drive on the firm, wet sand of the 
long, curved beach, which stretches from the light-house cliff to the mouth 
of the San Lorenzo River, has been a thing to remember. The surf broke 
far out, leaving a broad stretch of rippled sand glistening with moisture, 
which the low and slanting rays of the sun touched with prismatic tints, 
while the tender tones of color, imparted to cliff, and wave, and moun- 
tain, were beyond any attempt of art to copy. 

For the longer drives about Santa Cruz, their names are legion, and 
their interest, beauty and grandeur boundless. A December day on far 
Ben Lomond — next to Loma Prieta, the highest point in the county — may 
be made a delightful remembrance. There is now a choice of four different 
drives to the summit of this mountain, each one with its own charm of 
varied and grand scenery. The Coast road, the Empire, the Felton, or the 
Boulder grades — either one may be taken. A favorite way is to start at 8 
a. M., when the air is still crisp enough to make light overcoats and wraps 
comfortable, and, leaving Mission street at the city limits, turn out into the 
foot-hills where are situated the lime-kilns and quarries of Davis & Cowell, 
and up till the bay and ocean seem to spread at your very feet their glitter- 
ing surfaces — then with a plunge down into the gloom of Cave Canyon, 
where giant redwoods, madronas and firs stand thick on the mountain sides, 
and occasional clearings give glimpses far up on sunny slopes of vineyard 
and orchard and farm. As you emerge from the canyon you pass the road 
leading to the profitable and useful petroleum pavement deposits, and at 
last come out on the Empire Grade, cut in and around the cliff sides, its 
wonderful curves showing now a view of the broad Pacific, then, with a 
sudden turn, the ranges of hills and intervening valleys across which Ben 
Lomond and Loma Prieta salute each other. 

The top of the mountain, for many miles in extent, is developing into 
a phenomenal fruit and wine country, and here, amid many other fruit farms 
and vineyards, are the extensive and interesting improvements of the Ben 
Lomond Vineyard Company, where clusters of late grapes still hang invit- 
ingly upon the vines, though the height of the vintage is past. Much of the 
virgin forest still remains, and, at this time of the year, the madrona tree, 
at its best growth, is a thing of marvelous beauty, with its pale green foliage, 
and its clustering masses of scarlet berries shining out between ; occasional 
clearings give lovely and pretty nooks in midst of the grandeur, where a 
driving party may make an al fresco camp and boil their gypsy kettle, 
spreading their cloth on the ground and hanging superfluous coats and 
wraps on an adjacent manzanita bush. 



36 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 

If this luncheon has been prepared with a view of showing visitors the 
possibilities of our local markets; it may be made interesting as well as 
appetizing. This dainty and delicious crab salad is made from a giant 
shell fish, only yesterday morning crawling on Santa Cruz beach. The 
lettuce, crisp and blanched, but not forced under glass, was gathered this 
morning from the sunny Italian gardens along the alluvial banks of the 
San Lorenzo. The oil, not Barton & Guestier's, is of California growth 
and pressing, while the accompanying celery and olives are home-grown, 
and the cheese, rich and delicious, is, like the golden butter, the product of 
the sea-side dairies along our Coast road. A cold roast duck, shot at 
Woods' Lagoon, only half a mile from town, or a dozen of quail from the 
Soquel stubble fields, with a glass of the wine of the country, would make 
an excellent second course. This wine might be either red or white, as the 
bon vivdnt might choose and, though a little crude and lacking in age, 
would be the unadulterated juice of grapes grown upon virgin soil, and would 
have cost not more than a dollar per gallon. Possibly, while driving through 
the forest this morning, you have seen, in a sunny opening where the 
manzanita berries grew thickest, a graceful, startled stag, who gazed at you a 
brief moment and then sought the cover. Possibly, too, this delicious slice 
of venison offered you has come from just such a magnificent creature, shot 
while feasting on the tender shoots of the vine, and made venison of because 
of his depredations. You may finish your feast with luscious strawberries 
from, the Pajaro valley, smothered in Jersey cream from home dairies, and 
a dish of Verdal and Mission grapes, with apples, pears and Japanese 
persimmons, all eaten with an appetite begotten of the inspiring scenes and 
delicious air around you. 

Before starting homeward from our twenty-two hundred feet of altitude 
down the dizzy descent of the Felton or Boulder grades, we must visit 
Thomas Burns, whose father, fresh from " Auld Scotia, 1 ' named this Ben 
Lomond, from the older one in the "land o' cakes,' 1 because of a resemblance 
in the view of field, and scaur, and valley, and water. From the pretty 
Burns Cottage on the mountain crest we look westward, where blue leagues 
of Pacific water roll to the horizon; or eastward, on the other side, over a 
rare and lovely scene of mountains, valleys, and a glimpse of the curving 
bay-shores, where Branciforte and Soquel, Capitola, Aptos and even Wat 
sonville are seen, and a far-away glint of white means the warehouses at 
Castroville and Salinas, while further to the right lies Monterey. Nearer 
are the buildings and vineyards of Glenwood and Vine Hill, and many 
another mountain fruit farm, while only the curling blue smoke shows where 
the villages of Felton and Boulder lie nestled under the crags, and Santa 
Cruz is hidden by a spur of foot-hills. 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 37 

Tip GITY OF STITO GI{llZ. 

This has been for many years the most popular seaside resort on the 
Pacific Coast, and since it is becoming known to the world at large that its 
attractions do not end with the summer, but that life, liberty and the 
pursuit of pleasure are equally possible and delightful during all the seasons, 
it is steadily growing in favor with tourists from the world over as an 
" all the year round '.' resort. 

Says Mr. H. L. Conard in a very interesting letter written from this 
city to the Los Angeles Tribune: " It seems to be the opinion of people 
who have traveled extensively and seen much of the world, Santa Cruz 
included, that if the Architect of the Universe, when He had under consid- 
eration the ' plans, specifications and drawings ' for this world of ours, 
designed any more charming location for a town, or one surrounded by a 
greater variety of attractions than are to be found here, the design was 
never carried into execution. There are many larger and possibly some 
handsomer towns than Santa Cruz in California, but the truthful corre- 
spondent who aims to give to a large and deeply interested constituency 
absolutely correct and reliable information in regard to the resources, 
attractions and prospects of the different cities, towns and sections of the 
State, can not do otherwise than credit Santa Cruz with a more picturesque 
location and more pleasing surroundings than are to be found anywhere 
else on this coast. 

" Situated on the northern siae of the bay of Monterey, that magnificent 

horseshoe-shaped sheet of water, twenty-two miles from point to point? 

which indents Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, the city of Santa Cruz 

extends backward from the beach across a slightly elevated plateau, and 

then climbs two or three terraces, which encircle the lower portion of the 

town like the seats of an amphitheatre." The business portion of the town 

lies on this plateau and along the water front; the main street, Pacific 

Avenue, is of good width, and extends from the foot of Beach Hill nearly 

a mile to the Lower Plaza. It is paved with the fine native bituminous 

rock, large deposits of which are found in several portions of the county. 

This forms, without combination with any other substance, an elastic and 

practically indestructible pavement for streets, sidewalks and crosswalks, and 

is being used to replace other kinds of walks and drives throughout the 

city. It is possible to go from the bath-houses at the beach to the Bay 

View school house, a distance of nearly three miles, without once leaving 

an admirably kept sidewalk. Intersecting Pacific Avenue are a number ot 

rural-looking tree-lined streets, bordered with cozy, picturesque, and even 

elegant homes, almost every one environed by well-kept lawns and flower 



$8 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 

gardens abloom throughout the year. This portion of the town contains 
the Court House, City Hall, Hall of Records, Post Orifice, two fine build- 
ings belonging to the I. O. O. F., a Masonic Temple, a pavilion for Floral 
and Agricultural Fairs, numerous excellent hotels and boarding houses 
and several churches. The terraces, mentioned in the letter above, offer 
most attractive building sites, many of which are occupied by residences 
and grounds, where the owners have vied with each other in tasteful 
ornamentation and adaptation of the wonderful possibilities afforded by 
climate and soil. Mission Hill is formed of two semi-circular terraces and 
a plateau, which was the site of the original Mission of Santa Cruz, and 
where the Roman Catholic Church of to-day stands. Hotels and churches 
are also found on this hill. " Beach Hill " intervenes between the business 
portion of the city and the beach, and is a favorite location for homes and 
hotels. 

The pretty suburb of Branciforte lies on the eastern bank of the San 
Lorenzo River, the larger portion of it being built on still another terrace, 
and from all these elevations one may look out on a broad expanse 
of ocean or across the bay to the Santa Lucia Mountains, at the foot of 
which stands the old capital of Monterey. Here, too, but a short time ago, 
stood the beautiful Del Monte, now, unhappily, in ashes, but soon to arise 
at the bidding of wealth and good taste in fairer proportions than ever. 
Turning in other directions the view includes the Gabilan Range with the 
white houses of Salinas and Castroville visible on fair days, the dark and 
dominant form of Loma Prieta, looking down on all the rest from its height of 
4,000 feet, and the crescent shaped range of the Santa 
Cruz Mountains, as far as Ben Lomond, clothed to their 
utmost heights with sombre redwoods which form a fitting back- 
ground to the brighter loveliness of sea and city. Camb Alhambra, 
Seabright and Seabright Park are attractive seaside suburbs, located along 
the cliff east of the mouth of the San Lorenzo. Of this admirable 
position for a city, seen with prophetic vision, perhaps, by the devoted 
Spanish padres who planted the cross here, Mr. Conard says: "It is in 
this location, which, it seems to me, gives Santa Cruz an advantage in 
point of scenic attractions over any place I have ever seen, that a city has 
grown up, which would take rank as a handsome town even if located less 
favorably. It is not a city of pretentious mansions, but it is a city of 
beautiful homes, shaded grounds, ever-verdant lawns, and perpetually 
blooming flower-gardens." 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, 



39 



METROPOLITAN Al WANTAGES. 

The city of Santa Cruz with its suburbs contains a population of between 
6,000 and 7,000 souls. This does not make a very large showing in the 
census returns; a city of that size is usually considered as still in its 
infancy, and seldom boasts of much in the way of metropolitan conven- 
iences or improvement. We are by no means satisfied with our favorite 
little seaside town as it stands; we look forward to important improvements 
in the near future; but we believe Santa Cruz will compare favorably with 
any city of its size anywhere in its advancement toward a metropolitan 
standpoint, especially when we remember that what we have has been done 
by our citizens, that no foreign capital or large corporation has taken us in 
hand to make the most of our unusual resources. The sojourner here finds 




ON THE* SAN LORENZO, AT SANTA CRUZ. 



among other conveniences of a large city, electric lights, gas, tele- 
phones, two telegraphic lines, an electric fire-alarm system, two daily and 
two weekly newspapers, a free library, street-cars, water-works and hand- 
some public buildings, school-houses and churches. We quote once more 
from the writer before mentioned: " The water works are owned by the 
city and furnish a supply of the purest and best of water, coming 
directly from its source in the mountains, which would be sufficient for a 
city of 50,000 population. Notwithstanding the fact that water is furnished 
to the citizens of Santa Cruz at a lower rental than is found almost any- 
where else in the State, the water works pay the city a net income of from 
$800 to $1,000 for month. In a few years it is estimated that the 
revenue from this source will have paid the original cost of constructing the 



40 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 

water-works, and the proceeds will then be sufficient to meet the current 
expenses of the city government, and no taxes will be levied for municipal 
purposes. A second water company is owned by private capital and 
furnishes a considerable quantity of water. The electric light plant is also 
the property of the city, and has been so managed that it pays running 
expenses and furnishes street lights which cost the city nothing. It is 
worthy of note in this connection that the entire city government of Santa 
Cruz seems to be admirably managed. The fire department is one of the 
best, if not the best, volunteer fire department in the State; the schools are 
first-class, and there is a freedom from crime and anything like disorder in 
the city which would do credit to the best policed town on the coast. The 
present rate of taxation for municipal purposes, being only one-half of one 
per cent., Santa Cruz is in excellent condition to undertake such further 
improvements as may be necessary or desirable, and a perfect system of 
sewerage is to be provided in the very near future. Pacific Avenue, the 
principal business street of the city, is also to be extended and improved. 
The controlling spirits of the city government are young men of progressive 
ideas, energy and business capacity, and the fact that their policy received 
the unanimous endorsement of the voters of the city, demonstrates that 
everybody here is ' for harmony,' and the best interests of the city." 

Although Santa Cruz, like all California towns, is largely built of wood, 
it is not, therefore, to be supposed that we are liable to large conflagra- 
tions. The wood universally used for building purposes is the Sequoia 
Semfiervirens, or red- wood, immense forests of which clothe the moun- 
tains back of the city. This, unlike pine and fir, is the least inflammable 
of woods, smouldering and blackening, while other varieties would burst 
into flame. We believe we may claim one of the finest, most efficient and 
best-equipped volunteer fire departments in the world. Our hose com- 
panies and our hook and ladder company are composed of the flower of 
the young men of our city, who are recognized, socially and otherwise, as 
among our best citizens. They keep themselves in excellent condition for 
the best service by frequent practice, and at annual tournaments have made 
records of which the city is justly proud. These companies are provided 
with admirable equipments, well housed in suitable buildings, and the 
electric fire alarm recently established and owned by the Pilot Hose Co., 
is a great advantage over old systems, giving Santa Cruz, when added to 
her already fine department, almost absolute immunity from destructive 
fires. We believe our city to be well in advance of other places of 
similar size in adopting this admirable system. 

Another indication of the advancement of Santa Cruz in all that pertains 
to the highest civilization is the attention paid to the educational interests 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 4 1 

of her children and youth. Prof. I). C. Clark, Principal of the High 
School, has kindly furnished me with some facts concerning the public and 
other schools of Santa Cruz. "The schools to-day enroll more than one 
thousand pupils, and twenty teachers are employed to impart instruction. 
A complete system of grading exists, from the receiving class to the High 
School. The course of study is practical and complete, including all the 
branches taught in the best schools of similar grade. The school buildings, 
five in number, including the Bay View, are supplied with improved styles 
of furniture and apparatus, are well ventilated, and every comfort and 
convenience for pupils supplied. The reputation of the Santa Cruz 
Schools for excellence is shown by the following extract from the report of 
the Committee of Award on School Exhibits at the State Teachers' 
Association of California: " Of the exhibits from High Schools, that from 
Santa Cruz contains the widest range of subjects and consists principally 
of examination papers, no:e books and drawing books, all ' free from 
embellishments and evidently class-room work, and marked throughout 
by a high degree of excellence. In view of the above facts your 
Committee take great pleasure in awarding the diploma for High School 
work to the Santa Cruz High School." The School of the Holy Cross, 
founded in 1862 by Sisters of Charity, has been for some time under the 
supervision of Sister Rose. It occupies two large buildings finely situated 
on Mission Hill and has ninety-eight pupils, many of whom are orphans or 
half-orphans and know no other home than this. Seven sisters and 
teachers are constantly employed in attending to the physical, mental and 
religious welfare of the pupils. 

A Business College was focnded in 1884 by Prof. J. A. Chesnutwood, 
and has now a membership of one hundred and eighty pupils. It occupies 
a handsome building on Pacific Avenue. Other private institutions are 
the Boarding and Day School conducted by Miss H. Lennebacker, on 
Sycamore St. ; a boarding school presided over by Prof. Pioda on Walnut 
Avenue, and the Froebel Kindergarten in charge of Mrs. H. M. Morgan 
and Miss Adele Willard on Center St. Teachers in music, painting, 
drawing and other specialties are numerous and their classes large and 
flourishing. The churches established here are the Calvary Episcopal 
Church, Congregational, Methodist, German M. E., Baptist, Advent and 
Roman Catholic; the Christian Church has an organization, but as yet 
possesses no building. A flourishing branch of the Y. M. C. A. has just 
moved into handsomely fitted and commodious rooms. The Association 
has established a young ladies' auxiliary. The W. C. T. U. organization 
and its adjunct, the Y. W. C. T. U., do effective work and hold regular 
meetings. A Society of Decorative Art exists, occupying rooms, the use 
of which is freely given by the owner; this Society supports free 



42 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 

classes in plain sewing and embroidery, and keeps on file several important 
art periodicals. It is also a depot for the sale of individual work. 
Fraternal Societies are numerous and flourishing; a complete directory of 
these will be found in the latter part of the pamphlet. 

PAJARO VALLEY. 

In compiling this sketch of the beautiful " Valley of the Bird," we 
gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Mr. Ed. Martin, County Clerk, 
and Mr. W. R. Radcliff, of the Pajaronian, from whose articles we have 
borrowed copiously facts and figures of interest. The following sketch is 
taken from the Del Monte Wave: 

One of the fairest jewels in the crown of Santa Cruz County, a domain 
which would make a kingdom of itself in older lands, is the Pajaro Valley, 
whose praises have been so little sounded abroad, that even the citizens 
of the county are, in many cases, unaware of the beauty of its scenery, 
the astonishing fertility of the soil and the variety of its resources. It lies 
in the southern end of the county, and is bounded on the landward side 
by a spur of the Coast Range, a crescent of low hills which embraces a 
vast and lovely amphitheatre facing to the south ar.d west the blue Bay 
of Monterey. Standing at the summit of this range, the observer beholds 
as fair a picture as artist ever conceived, or home-sick exile ever dreamed 
of. Here lies no less than 23,000 acres of the most productive land in 
the world, almost a perfect level — for this acreage excludes the mountain 
slopes and foot-hill land — and from the base of the range to salt water 
there is a fall of only 179 feet. Through a gap in the hills at the southern 
end of the valley flows in the Pajaro River, which, ten miles back from 
its mouth, at Sargent's, has been joined by the Guadaloupe, forming a 
broad and unfailing stream, which is a part of the boundary line between 
Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. The Pajaro follows the curving base 
of the hills on the south till it reaches the bay. On the north the Salsi- 
puedes Creek flows down from the Coast Range and enters the valley at 
Corralitos, where it furnishes the water power for flourishing paper mills 
which have created a thriving little village. The Salsipuedes is an erratic 
stream, and curves at will through the valley towards the bay, watering 
hundreds of acres of grain and fruit land. 

Besides the sparkle of these mountain streams and the farther blue of 
the bay, the observer from the hill-top catches the gleam of a chain of five 
beautiful fresh water lakes. The three largest of these are called College 
Lake, Laguna Grande and the White Lake; they are from two hundred to 
five hundred acres in extent, and, at their greatest depths measure sixty 
feet. Being fed by subterranean mountain streams they do not vary in 
depth with the seasons. They are prolific- in native fish of excellent 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 43 

quality, and also have been stocked by the Board of Fish Commissioners 
with eastern white fish, perch and land-locked salmon. College Lake is 
picturesque in its configuration and its surroundings. On one bank stands 
the neat and well-kept buildings of the Pajaro Valley Catholic College 
and Orphan Asylum, kept by Franciscan fathers. This was founded in 
1850, mainly through the efforts of Mrs. Gen. Sherman and Miss Lucy 
White — a sister of Hon. Wm. F. White — a lady whose name is held in 
tender and loving remembrance throughout the valley, and whose body 
lies in the little graveyard attached to the college. The lake is much used 
by the people of Watsonville for sailing and rowing, a regatta course being 
marked out by buoys. A fine avenue lined by large cottonwood and 
eucalyptus trees leads from the lake to the town. Fine roads intersect the 
valley in all directions, and in the southeast, just at the base of the foot- 
hills, stands a magnificent live oak park of over two hundred acres in 
extent; the trees are ancient, and of huge and picturesque growth, while a 
large part of it is almost as free from undergrowth as the park of an 
English country-place. Lying as it does at an eminence above the valley, 
and with a deep and fertile soil, it is one of the most lovely spots in the 
county. 

Mr. Ed Martin gives the following interesting historical sketch of the 
valley: " Prior to the advent of the various farmers and others who now 
form the majority of our population, Pajaro Valley or El Pajaro, as it was 
generally designated by the native Californians, was used principally as a 
vast pasture ground for the numerous bands of wild cattle and horses, 
belonging to the respective ranch owners of the valley. 

''The population of the valley in 1851, all told, could not have exceeded 
fifty. An adobe house on each ranch, where resided the owner and his 
family, or in his absence a major-domo, with some few Indians as retainers, 
comprised the entire population. The care, if it could be so called, of 
their numerous cattle occupied their sole attention, and as their herds had 
plenty of pasture ground to roam over at pleasure, with abundance of feed 
from the rich meadows and water from the brooks that flowed from the 
mountain sides, it may be safely asserted that the cattle tock care of 
themselves. A general rodeo was held at convenient seasons, when the 
vaqueros would ride o'er hill and dale, and with cries that appeared to be 
familiar to the vast herd, startle them from their indolence and drive them to 
the rodeo ground to be selected for slaughter, or for the purpose of 
branding. This was about all the excitement that tended to relieve the 
monotony of the existence of this pastoral people, who lived together as 
one family in perfect harmony. 

"On Sundays the various families would wend their way to church at 



44 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 

the Rancho Los Aromas, long since abandoned as a place of worship, and, 
returning, would spend the day in a sort of reunion, discussing, perhaps, 
the probable price of hides, or whether there was any show for a corner in 
that useful article of commerce; not only of commerce, but for nearly 
every purpose of domestic use was the hide brought into service; it may be 
said that theirs was the age of rawhide, as it supplied the want of iron or 
rope. The lasso with which the skillful vaquero caught his horse or lassoed 
the wild cattle was made of rawhide. The cattle used in the carreta or 
native cart, with its huge wheels of wood, were yoked with a straight piece 
of stick fastened behind the ears with rawhide; in fact it came into use in 
a variety of shapes that the necessities of the people at that time required. 
"But little farming was done save in a few spots. Afanega of wheat 
sown, the earth tickled with a plow similar to the kind still in use on the 
Nile — a straight piece of wood with a small piece of iron in the end for a 
share, and an upright piece for a handle, which comprised the entire stock of 
agricultural implements, a brush-fence, barely affording sufficient protection 
against the cattle, was built to protect the growing crop till harvest. When 
gathered, away went the fence, cattle rushed in and became the gleaners, 
and, tramping the seed in the ground, prepared it for another crop. 

"About one year in three was all that was necessary to go through the 
forms of plowing and sowing. They never thought of building a 
permanent fence, this would have taxed their energies too much; if it 
could have been done on horseback well and good, otherwise it was less 
labor to drag brush from the woods each season and erect a temporary 
enclosure, than to go into the redwoods to maul rails. On the Amesti 
Ranch about five hundred cattle were slaughtered annually, their hides and 
tallow hauled to Santa Cruz, there exchanged for calico, notions, etc., 
brought by the vessels that plied on the coast from Boston and other parts. 
Sunday evening was usually devoted to the fandango, when dancing, 
mirth and good feeling prevailed." 

Says Mr. W. R. RadclifT: " At first there was conflict in the courts 
concerning land titles, the Spaniards holding under grants from the 
Mexican government, but those disputes and the validity of the grants were 
settled years ago, and since that time the progress and development of the 
Pajaro Valley has been rapid. When first settled by the Americans the 
Santa Cruz Mountains, defining the northern boundary of the valley, were 
heavily covered with a growth of redwood. The rapid building of rail- 
roads and the needs of a civilized section made such demands on the 
timber resources of the State that the Pajaro Valley belt of redwoods was 
taken up by lumbermen, and for over twenty years there has been a steady 
and increasing output from the timber belt, running as high, several years, 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 45 

as 18,000,000 feet. As a result of this continued forest destruction the 
mountains have been bared, and the vegetation which had for centuries 
decayed on those mountains served to enrich the soil, and in fertility and 
production the Santa Cruz Mountain slopes are not excelled the world 
over. Year after year, century after century, the vegetation on those hills 
died and decayed to enrich the soil, and to that recurring enriching of the 
soil is due the present marvelous production of the Santa Cruz 
Mountains." 

"The lumberman on his march to the mountain summits, laboriously 
clearing away the forests, was followed in time by the thrifty farmer, and 
where a few years ago were vast forests now cluster small fruit farms, 
enriching their owners and improving the country. These mountain slopes 
have sufficient exposure to the sun, and with their rich and well moistened 
soil are specially adapted to the growth of fruit trees and vines. Peaches 
of beautiful color, exquisite form and rich taste ; apples, juicy and firm; 
grapes, fit for the table or the wine press ; prunes, plums and almonds ; 
vegetables of all varieties; these are all produced on these hill slopes." 

The Pajaro Valley proper contains but few large tracts of land, being 
principally cut up into small farms, averaging, perhaps, eighty acres each. 
Farming is diversified, embracing the cultivation of nearly every cereal, 
fruit and vegetable indigenous to the temperate zone, while recent 
experiments in the citrus fruits and in olives have been made with satis- 
factory success. On the bench at the base of the foot-hills the culture of 
the olive has been entered into with every prospect of a successful issue, 
and several orchards have been set out this spring. The large area formerly 
devoted to wheat, barley, beans and potatoes is being rapidly decreased to 
make room for orchards and strawberry plantations. The crops of fruit, 
especially apples, cherries and strawberries are phenomenal, and the profit 
per acre, in many instances, such as to be almost incredible to those not 
accustomed to the combination of favorable conditions here found. In 
strawberry cultivation great activity has been manifested for the past four 
years, and there are now over 300 acres of strawberries in the Pajaro Valley. 
The season extends from April to Christmas — sometimes far into the new 
year, and the profits frequently run high into the hundreds of dollars per acre. 
It is estimated by the best judges that there are not less than 2,000 acres 
in apples in the valley. The favorite varieties are Newtown. Pippins and 
Bellefleurs and, in quality and quantity, the yield is remarkable. Cherries 
are astonishingly fine and entirely free from insect pests. Considerable 
attention is paid to dairying, as the grazing lands are extensive and stock 
raising is a profitable business on the mountains. Of dairying, further 
notes are given in connection with the description of that interest in the 



46 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 

count}- at large. The raising of eggs and poultry is a large and growing 
business, and the accessibility of the San Francisco market is of immense 
advantage in all the interests of this favored valley. 

WATSONVILLE, 

The second town in size in Santa Cru; County, is situated in the Pajaro 
Valley, five miles from the Bay of Monterey. It has a population of 
2,500. It is the business town of the valley, and having the trade of the 
farmers and lumbermen its merchants do a large and prosperous business. 
Its streets are regularly laid out, buildings are of modern architecture, and 
the town has a solid and substantial appearance. It is one of the pros- 
perous interior towns of the State. It has a Board of Trustees, Marshal, 
Treasurer and Assessor. City taxes are always low, and this year no tax 
was levied. The town is protected in case of fire by an efficient volunteer 
fire department. Its residences and streets are supplied with water by the 
Corralitos Water Company, whose system of mains extend all over the 
town and to the strawberry farms. The streets of the town, its 
business houses, and many of its residences are lighted with gas, 
manufactured by a local company. An attractive feature is the 
number of handsome residences and well laid out grounds adjoining them. 
About the center of the town is the plaza, a public square enclosed by a 
neat and substantial fence. Numerous shade and ornamental trees, with 
a fountain in the center, make it a desirable and attractive place of resort. 
Watsonvilie is ninety miles distant from San Francisco. It is reached by 
the S. P. R. R., two trains daily. It is twenty miles distant from Santa 
Cruz, the county seat. The drives in and about Watsonvilie are among 
the prettiest and most attractive in the State, many of them lined with 
ornamental shade trees and sprinkled and kept in excellent order during 
the months in which no rain descends. One of the finest is that of four 
miles to the beach where, at Camp Goodali, are bath-houses and bathing 
privileges, and from whence a magnificent view backward across the valley 
to the mountains of the Coast and Gabilan ranges, with the peaks of Loma 
Prieta and Monte Diablo in the distance, may be had. Numerous neat 
churches are found here, and the Valley supports two weekly journals, the 
Pajaronian and the Watsonvilie Transcript. Watsonvilie is provided with 
an excellent system of public schools. The Principal, Prof. J. W. Linscott^ 
is also Superintendent of the County Schools, and under his management 
they arc in a most satisfactory state of progress. Thirteen teachers are 
employed in the town, while in the rest of the Valley thirteen teachers are 
employed, exclusive of those at the Pajaro Valley Orphan Asylum, con- 
ducted by the Franciscan friars, where several teachers are engaged in 
instruction of the youth. 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 47 

Situated in the northern part of the valley is the prosperous village of 
Corralitcs, where is located the Corralitos paper mill. Up the Corralitos 
Creek, along the mountain slopes up to the redwoods, fruit and grain farms 
are plentiful. Sheltered on the north, east and west, this canyon and 
neighboring slopes are destined to be thickly dotted with happy and pros- 
perous homes. To the east of Corralitos is Green Valley, one of the most 
fertile spots in Santa Cruz County, and rich in orchards and green fields. 

SOQUKL. 

A rural and pretty village is Soquel, on the Soquel Creek, five miles 
from Santa Cruz. This creek is one of the largest in the county and 
furnishes water power for sawmills and for a flourishing paper mill. The 
canyon of the Soquel furnishes as fine effects of scenic beauty and 
grandeur as any in the entire range of the Santa Cruz Mountains; the 
stream waters and fertilizes many beautifully located grain and fruit farms 
and vineyards, and the whole country adjacent to the village is extremely 
picturesque and delightful. The little town has churches, schools and 
business houses, a tannery, and other interests, and is possesed 
of a railway station on the S. P. R. R. There are many undeveloped 
possibilities of growth and wealth in and about the place, and its wealth of 
water power, redwood, oak and other timber, fine grazing, vine and fruit 
lands and picturesque building sites make it an inviting field for the investor 
and home-seeker. 

CAP1TOLA. 

This is a charming little suburb of Soquel, situated on the bay shore 
five miles east of Santa Cruz, and having its own station on the S. P. R. R. 
It has long been known as a pleasant camping ground, the curving beach 
being favorable to surf-bathing, the Soquel Creek furnishing good fishing 
and the picturesque location possessing many other charms. Many cot- 
tages have been built by persons from different parts of the State, who enjoy 
spending their summers here, and what was formerly merely a collection of 
tents and rude huts has become a pretty little village, with many tasteful 
homes, a hotel, skating-rink and other accessories of a well-regulated sum- 
mer resort. 

F ELTON. 

Mrs. Allister Matheson, of Felton, has favored us with the following 
interesting sketch of that town: "The pleasant little village of Felton is 
situated on the San Lorenzo River, near the central part of Santa Cruz 
County, on the western slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains, and at an ele- 
vation of 280 feet above the level of the sea. Like most California towns, 
Felton has grown rapidly, and those who saw, a few years since, the half a 
dozen or so scattered houses, which then constituted the entire village, 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 49 

would scarcely believe the present smart little town to be the same place. 
There are now three commodious and well-kept hotels, a good livery stable, 
an opera house, a large and well-built school-house, a fine system of 
water works, a telegraph, express and telephone office, and the principal 
street is well lined with stores, which do a thriving trade in their individual 
lines with the outlying mills and the residents of the surrounding countrv. 
These, together with the many pretty and tasteful private residences 
scattered about and perched upon the higher ground just above the busi- 
ness part of the town, show that Felton, although stimulated by no " boom," 
but content to play the part of the oft-mentioned " modest violet," has 
grown and thriven well. The summer months bring yearly an 
influx of city people who, having found out the charm of the place for 
themselves, come hither with their families and friends and either camp 
out, gypsy fashion, in the beautiful camp-ground, a bit of the "forest 
primeval," which the town provides for its guests free of charge, on the 
eastern bank of the San Lorenzo, or fill the hotels to overflowing. 

"At the back of the town, which faces the sunrise, the mountains crowd 
closely together with almost every shade of green, from the somber hue of 
the tall and stately redwoods to the silvery sheen of the graceful willows, 
exhibited amongst the graceful foliage which clothes their steep and rugged 
sides, while here and there the white and dazzling face of a lime-stone 
quarry peeps through the trees. Looking towards the East one sees the 
sparkling little river, with a light fringe of trees along its banks, running 
merrily and noisily over its stony bed to the ocean, and then, beyond, green 
slopes of cleared and fenced and well-tilled land undulating gently away 
to where the wooded hills, sharply outlined against the sky, form a 
harmonious frame for the beautiful picture. From the town in almost all 
directions are walks and drives which are a never ending delight to those 
who appreciate varied and beautiful scenery. The climate of Fel- 
ton is simply delightful. The nights are cool and comfortable 
all the year round, and, although the hills shelter the town 
almost completely from severe winds, there is nearly always, even during 
the warmest days, a gentle and refreshing breeze. The exceptional health- 
fulness of the place is exemplified by the fact that, so far, no physician has 
found it possible to support himself amongst its inhabitants. 

"The soil is rich and very productive. Strawberries and other small 
fruits thrive well, while peach, apple and plum trees, and especially 
apricots (which should be cultivated here much more than they now are) 
well repay the little care they require. On the higher ground beyond 
reach of the light frosts which touch, now and then, the lower land, grapes 
of all varieties can be raised most successfully, and as there are several 



50 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 

large wineries within easy access, such a crop can always be disposed of 
readily and advantageously. 

"The chief industries of the place are the manufacture of lime, lumber 
and wooden-ware stock. There are four large saw-mills and two lime man- 
ufacturing establishments within a radius of a little over three miles from 
the center of the town, while a barrel company's mill and the " lower kilns " 
of a lime company are in the town itself. The railroad facilities are excel- 
lent, the S. P. C. R. R. sending freight branches to nearly all the saw-mills 
and to the "lower kilns " and the cooperage mill. There are two regular 
passenger trains daily to and from San Francisco (distant about 73 miles), 
and three to and from Santa Cruz, which is also connected with Felton by 
a daily stage line. 

" Rates of freight are reasonable, and by transferring in Santa Cruz 
freight may be sent to any point on the broad-gauge, or by water to any point 
along the coast. Taken as a whole, a home in Felton brings to its owner 
as many advantages and as few disappointments as usually fall to the lot of 
ordinary mortals. Felton does not claim to be an "earthly paradise " or a 
"garden of the gods," it simply claims to be what it is — a bright and busy 
little town, which, doing well at the present, has, by reason of its many 
imperfectly developed resources, a hope (which is indeed a certainty) of a 
future as bright and prosperous as that of any of the mountain towns of our 
rich and beautiful county of Santa Cruz." 

scott's valley. 

We have been favored by Mrs. Kate D. Kubbard, of Scott's Valley, 
with a brief description of that region: " This is situated about five miles 
from Santa Cruz, between that city and Vine Hill. The old San Jose 
road runs through the valley for miles, and its smooth, level, well-kept 
surface and substantial bridges all testify to the excellent road overseers 
we have had for so many years. 

"Scott's Valley not only presents a pleasing sight to the artistic eye, with 
its picturesque scenery and inviting spread of green fields, winding, shady 
roads, large pastures full of sleepy looking cattle, and its forests of pine 
and redwood, but to the utilitarian it is an object of interest. It is mostly 
devoted to dairy produce, cheese and butter being the staples. The 
universal vineyard is attached to every farm of any size, and this industry 
has a future. It is estimated that about five thousand gallons of wine 
have been made here this year to say nothing of the tons upon tons of 
grapes that have been sent to market. Fine farms line the whole length of 
the road leading to Vine Hill, and the raising of fine stock has in many 
instances been made a specialty. To sum up, Scott's Valley offers great 
inducements to the coming immigration. The climate is healthy, water is 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 5 I 

abundant and excellent; there is plenty of wood, and the soil is productive 
and diversified; pasturage is good, and last though not least, land is 
reasonable." 

BEN LOMOND. 

Ben Lomond is situated in the Santa Cruz Mountains, 18 miles north- 
west of the city of Santa Cruz. Several finely graded roads lead to the 
summit of the mountain, viz: The Empire grade, the Felton, the Coast 
road and the Boulder grades. Another and more direct road to railway 
communication is being constructed by private enterprise, and this will 
bring the property of the Ben Lomond Vineyard Co. within three miles of 
the station at Pacific Mills, which is on the Boulder branch of the S. P. 
C. R. R. 

Mr. Wm. H. Cook says: " This beautiful district lies 2,200 feet above 
the sea level, and for the most part escapes the cold fogs which are so 
unpleasant nearer the coast. The climate is equally as pleasant as that of 
Santa Cruz. I have traveled over the greater portion of the State, and have 
yet to find another locality offering as good inducements to men of small 
capital — say from $1,000 to $10,000. The water is abundant and of the 
very best quality, coming from springs pure as snow water. It is equal 
to the spring region of Kentucky and Virginia. Fruit, corn, dairy 
products, wine, lumber and tan bark are the chief productions. In the 
quality of its apples, this beautiful district cannot, I believe, be excelled 
elsewhere in the State. They are large and luscious, highly colored and 
richly flavored, like the apples of Maryland." 

From Mr. J. F. Coope, the genial and efficient representative and con- 
ductor of the extensive vineyard and wineries of the Ben Lomond Vineyard 
Co., we have received some valuable notes regarding Ben Lomond matters 
from which we glean the following: " Ben Lomond, as a wine district, is 
yet in its infancy, and is struggling to establish a name for itself in that 
industry. Its vineyards, as yet, are small but, luckily, the great majority 
of the grapes grown are of the first quality, being the Gray Riesling of 
Germany, or the Chauche Gris of France. The wine yield of 
the mountain for 1886 was 28,000 gallons, chiefly Riesling, part of which 
we grew, while a part was purchased. A large quantity of table 
grapes was also shipped, though, as we confine our attention to 
wine grapes, I can't give figures for this crop. Our white wine will 
all go East, and, in regard to prices, our object is to make a first-class wine 
and to obtain an equally good price. The time has gone by when anything 
will do, and only those who grow the best grapes and adopt the best sys- 
tems can make vines and wine-growing a success. 

" I should like to point out to you (although I have no doubt you are 
aware of it), what a great advantage we wine-growers of Santa Cruz County 



5 2 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 

have over others. In the first place, as a rule, a man can buy at a reason- 
able price some open land and some redwood timber. While he is putting 
out his vineyard and waiting his three years for it to bear, he is able to cut 
and haul redwood cordwood to lime-kilns and other markets at a fair 
price, enabling him to tide over that terrible time when most people in other 
counties are calling out ' When will they bear ?' 

" Upon the Ben Lomond Company's property we propose ' to put in, 
altogether, 160 acres of Gray Riesling, of which 60 acres is now complete; 
also 20 acres of French prunes is now complete. Outside of our ranch 
there are on the mountain about 120 acres in vines, but mostly young. 

"Good land can be purchased almost anywhere for from $10 to $20 
per acre, uncleared. All cleared land is higher. To clear our brush land 
we are operating a steam-puller, which is a great success, saving us about 
75 per cent in expense. 1 ' 

wright's. 

Mrs. Josephine Clifford McCracken, whose beautifully located home is 
in the region she so well describes, writes as follows about a fine section of 
our county: "Considered as a 'place,' Wright's is neither conspicuous 
nor attractive, though one of the most important stations on the line of the 
South Pacific Coast Narrow-Gauge Railroad. It lies distant from San 
Francisco some sixty-five miles, from Santa Cruz sixteen, and from San 
Jose eighteen or twenty miles; has a depot, hotel, store, post-office, black- 
smith shop, besides a number of decidedly ugly and disgraceful-looking 
Chinese stores and wash-houses. Fir-crowned mountains frown down upon 
it, and the hideous black mouth of the great tunnel close by is always 
wide open, with the evident and determined intention of swallowing up 
the train — engine, cars and all — as it approaches from the San Francisco 
side. 

"Considered as a whole — country, vicinity, neighborhood — Wright's is 
one of the most charming and valuable locations on the whole of the Pacific 
Coast. Vineyards, orchards, resorts for summer and for winter, for health 
and for pleasure, summer-seats of wealthy San Franciscans, all well-kept, 
tasteful, and made beautiful by nature more than art, make up such a 
picture as no one dreams lies hidden from view, and yet so near to the 
triste-\ooYm% depot. An hour's climb would reward the tourist with views 
of scenery that he might travel across the continent and not find equaled; 
while the practical man, with an eye to business and the main chance ever 
open, would find a region highly cultivated and yet full of vast possibilities 
and promises for the future. The tourist would go wild with delight over 
towering mountain and deep fern-dell, glinting stream and darkening forest, 
with outlooks everywhere on Santa Cruz city, Monterey Bay, Gabilan Hills, 
and the wide, open ocean; with a glimpse of almost the very houses of Los 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 53 

Gatos in another direction, and a view of the distant mountains about San 
Francisco Bay. The utilitarian, however, would probably estimate the 
money's worth in the giant redwoods still standing, so proudly unconscious 
of the ax already sharpening to cut them down; and the possible yield of 
the vineyards and orchards lying close to each other all through this part 
of the mountains. Vines, plum and prune trees, peaches, apples, quinces 
and cherries find a congenial home here, and oranges and lemons have 
been grown experimentally with excellent success; indeed, there are acres 
and acres around Wright's where lemons, limes and oranges will flourish 
and yield as plentifully as the vine, the apple and the prune yield now; but 
you must not expect to see this land as you look out of the car-window, 
while the train halts at the low-lying, gloomy depot, where the conductor 
calls out "Wright's!" The Wright's we speak of lies above, "on a 
thousand hills " — more or less — basking in sunshine, kissed by the 
breeze, green-clad in summer as in winter, the air pure as crystal, mild yet 
bracing, with the fragrance of sweet herbs and pine-needles in its breath. 
The oppressive heat, the choking dust of the southern counties are unknown 
here, else how could the graceful fern and shade-loving oxalis grow by the 
roadside? Nor do the frost or snow of the northern counties ever visit 
these favored regions, for the mocking bird, perched high ahove the garden 
fence, on point of rock or tree-top, carols its merry roundelay the whole 
day long, aH through the short, brisk months which we call winter here. 

" The merest shell of a house is sufficient shield from the cold here; and 
where there is a woman's hand to plant them, the rose and the honeysuckle 
will soon cover porch and roof from the rays of the sun. Surely, where 
the heliotrope, pelargonium and jasmine grow and flower in the garden the 
whole year round, there is the spot where the woman will delight in 
building up and cherishing a home." 

VINE HILL. 

Mr. Henry Mel, who has been very successful with the " vines and 
wines " of his vineyard of " Fontenay," writes from Glen wood, on Vine 
Hill, dated January 23d, 1887, as follows: 

" No one living in the county as I have done for the last eight years can 
help noticing the substantial improvements which have been made in your 
town during the last three or four years. It is not such a rapid growth as 
might have been expected, but it appears to be a steady one. If all the 
people who have been benefitted by the county were to tell one-half of their 
experience it would sound more like a fairy tale than a reality. I personally 
have many friends who spend the summer months in Santa Cruz every year, 
which proves that they are satisfied. However, I am only an occasional 
visitor in town, going there mostly on business, but I find it so attractive 



54 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 

that I can seldom make up my mind to leave it much before dark to reach 
my home in the mountains, nine miles distant. Let each one of us preach 
for his own parish, for no one else can do it so well. An outsider will be 
either too enthusiastic and exaggerate or else too much prejudiced in favor 
of some other place and not give ours its due. 

"Our district is known as Vine Hill and, as the name would indicate, 
vine-growing is our principal occupation, and if I am not much mistaken 
it was here that the first vineyards in the county were . started, and even 
to-day three-quarters of the wine produced in the county comes from our 
district, which' does not comprise an area of over three square miles. We 
made close on to 145,000 gallons of first-class wine in 1886, besides 
shipping 20,000 boxes of table-grapes both to your town and to San 
Francisco. Every one of us has been increasing his vineyards in the last 
few years, so* well satisfied are we with results so far obtained. 

" No one, however, who has not lived up in our mountains can appreciate 
our advantages. One of my neighbors has inserted an article in the 
Santa Cruz papers lately, challenging any vineyard of the same size in the 
State to show a larger product than his. I acknowledge myself beaten on 
that score, but I would also make a challenge which I think will be hard to 
beat. I have lived here for the last eight years with my family of ten, and 
during those eight years my doctor's bill has amounted to the small sum of 
eight dollars. That speaks pretty well for our climate." 

BOULDER. 

This pretty mountain village, at present the terminus of the branch of 
the S. P. C. R. R., running from Felton thither, is situated on Boulder Creek 
near its junction with Bear Creek. On the completion of the narrow 
gauge road from Felton, Boulder had its birth and soon absorbed the 
little village of Lorenzo, which was formerly the only settlement in this 
heart of the forest. The substantial buildings of the railway company, 
the necessary dry goods and grocery stores, wagon and blacksmith shops 
and other adjuncts of a population of 500 or thereabouts, are 
supplemented by a church, two public halls and four hotels. This Boulder 
Creek region was a favorite resort for campers, anglers and hunters long 
before the railway reached it, and while yet its only communication with the 
outer world was a wagon road and the flume which carried down the 
lumber and shingle products to the nearest shipping point. Now 
the activity of the lumber trade has been greatly increased 
by the facilities for shipping afforded by the "narrow gauge," 
and the hillsides uncovered by the lumberman have here, as 
elsewhere in the county, been found so admirably adapted to fruit and 
vine growth that the whole region has taken a new impetus and, while still 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 55 

as attractive as ever to health and pleasure seekers, is adding its quota of 
substantial value to the wealth of the county. The wagon road surveyed 
hence to Pescadero will, it is confidently expected, be followed in the not 
distant future by the extension of the railway through the vast unbroken 
forests of the Big Basin and adjacent regions, and the opening up of a 
country that will add largely to the resources of the county. 

APTOS AND LOMA PRIETA. 

Since the completion of the Loma Prieta branch railway the pretty 
village of Aptos has been the gateway of all the vast Loma Prieta district, 
and the " busy settler " has vied with the lumberman in subduing the 
wilder features of that mountain land. As has been already said, Loma 
Prieta is the highest point in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and is a conspicu- 
ous feature of the varied scenery of the county from almost any point of 
view. It is quoted as 4,000 feet in height, though a more exact statement 
is 3,800 feet. Of course the getting out of all sorts of lumber and " split 
stuff" was the first and most important interest of this district, but, as 
everywhere else, L he farmer and the fruit grower has followed in the wake 
of the lumbermen, and the vast possibilities of the region are beginning to 
develop themselves. Another railway now leads up into the Valencia 
Creek country where sawmills are at work, and already the village possesses 
extensive lumber yards with the necessary sidetracks and other facilities for 
the shipping of all varieties of that product. A drive of 20 miles from 
Santa Cruz to Watsonville, via Soquel, Capitola and Aptos, reveals a varied 
and beautiful country, with the charm of frequent glimpses of the bay, its 
curving shores and headland cliffs, and the added interest of prosperous 
farms and many still unimproved acres destined to make other fine homes 
in the future. 

" UP THE COAST." 

This general term is used locally to designate all that large and inter- 
esting portion of the county lying between the summit of the mountains 
and the admirable coast stage road which skirts the Pacific shore beyond 
the boundary line and into San Mateo County as far as the picturesque 
village of Pescadero. Hundreds of acres of fine grazing lands with their 
attendant dairies lie along this road, innumerable mountain streams filled 
with trout, and 'bordered with all sorts of wild wood growth, cross the path 
of the traveler on their way seaward; laurel groves extend their leafy shades 
almost to the edge of the sea and other features abound. Large deposits 
of lime and of the bituminous rock developed with so much profit in other 
parts of the county, lie dormant in this region, and the whole country 
awaits but the magical impetus of a coast railway to yield up to the 
investor and to the general wealth of the county a large return. 



SPTO <5$UZ 50$ ^OIIJES ^D IIJYESTIWT. 



In recounting the advantages offered by our county for the restoration 
of health to the invalid and its preservation to the well; the delights 
afforded to the transient sojourner by our varied and beautiful scenery, our 
fine climate, and the facilities for pleasure of all sorts; the prosperity and 
advanced civilization of our principal city and the towns and villages of 
the county, we have already established our claims, in many important 
particulars, to the attention of those seeking for a healthful and pleasant 
"home. For it must, indeed, be a rare combination of mental qualities 
which can wrest happiness and contentment from an inclement climate and 
unhealthful surroundings; from a country bare of that natural beauty for 
which the heart instinctively hungers, and an atmosphere which is heavy 
with malaria, or whose extremes rack and test the constitution, with each 
day some new ill to bear. Granting, then, that we have said enough to 
indicate that in the matters of a healthful and delightful climate, charming 
surroundings and the opportunities for a life of intellectual and moral 
•civilization, Santa Cruz County stands among the foremost of Pacific 
Coast regions, and compares favorably with any part of the world, let us see 
if an imperfect account of our resources and advantages for pecuniary profit 
and investment and the making of an " honest living " will not also show 
that here is a tract of country possessing possibilities of a vast wealth in 
the future and giving evidence that much has already been done to develop 
these possibilities. The careful or interested reader has already seen that 
our almost illimitable forests and our great acreage of productive land 
furnish the foundation for such prospective wealth. Let us look a little 
more closely into the detail of these resources. 

LUMBER. 

Lumbering has been carried on in the county for many years, but the 
small beginnings of the past have been improved upon until the business 
of getting out the rough material, making it into the various forms of 
merchantable lumber and shipping the various product has been pretty 
thoroughly systematized, and the whole may be called the leading interest of 
the county. The mills are, as a rule, furnished with machinery of the 
newest and most improved pattern; the employes are given houses in the 
near vicinity, and thus little settlements are formed all through the moun- 
tains, each with its school house and other advantages. The building of 
the Boulder Creek branch of the S. P. C. R. R. opened up a large lumber 
country, facilitated transportation and did away with the necessity for many 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 57 

miles of flume, while the narrow gauge roads built up by the Loma Prieta 

Lumber Co. and by F. A. Hihninto the Valencia Creek country, have marked 

equal progress in those directions. An estimate of the cut of '86 given in 

round numbers, for the eleven sawmills in the county, shows an aggregate 

of fifty million feet. Of this about ten millions was retained for the local 

market and the remaining 40 millions exported. Of split stuff and other 

forms of lumber the following figures give a reliable estimate in round 

numbers of the quantity exported: 

Shingles, Peery & Co 5,000,000 

Shingles, Cunningham & Co 3,000,000 



8,000,000 

Value per M at mill $1 35 

Railroad ties 20,000@25 cts. 

Shakes 500,000@$8 00 per M. 

Grape stakes 400,000@$8 00 per M. 

Piles 2,000@$8 00 each. 

Pickets 350,000@$18 00 per M. 

Posts 150,000@8 cts each. 

Shooks for fruit boxes 50,000@5 cts each. 

Firewood 50,000 cords@$2 00 to $5 00. 

A heavy local demand exists for material for lime barrels and fruit 

boxes, grape stakes and pickets. The chestnut oak, which supplies excellent 

material for tan bark, exists in large quantities: an estimate for the yield of 

'86 is as follows: 

Loina Prieta Lumber Co 1,000 cords. 

Aptos Mill 1,000 " 

Grover & Co 500 " 

Cunningham & Co 700 " 

Others 2,000 " 

All or nearly all of this has been sold to the local tanneries of Santa 
Cruz, Soquel and Watsonville. The fifty million output of '86 is about an 
average for a number of years past, and the immense amount of standing 
timber still remaining in the county, which it is impossible to give more 
than an estimate of, promises a similar yield for many years to come. In 
the mean time judicious forestry will undoubtedly be studied and 
practiced, thus insuring a provision for the future. Of the peculiar growth 
of a redwood forest, Mr. W. D. Storey says: 

" If the word ' primeval ' was ever appropriate to describe a forest, it 
belongs to our grand Santa Cruz redwoods; and, if we limit the meaning 
of ' eternal ' to the life of the earth, it is not a very inappropriate adjective 
to apply to the same objects. The phrase ' thousands of years ' is scarcely 
an exaggeration when applied to the life of our oldest members of our 
redwood forests, and those members are the children of parents that were 
more gigantic than their offspring, and whose ancestors must have risen 
from the earth in the beginning of plant life on the planet. So much as to 
the past. The future is no less far-reaching. When pine forests are felled, 



58 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 

that is the end of them. But the felling of a redwood forest seems to be 
only its beginning. Around the stump of the fallen tree spring up from 
ten to thirty young shoots, each seeming to embody all the vigor of its 
parent, and in the aggregate forming a whole grove of thrifty timber in an 
incredibly short space of time. Lumbermen say that these young trees 
become good sawing timber eighteen inches ar.d upwards in diameter, in 
from twenty to thirty years after the cutting of the parent tree. And it is 
doubtless true that this vigorous reproduction will go on indefinitely till the 
world and the redwoods are burned up together. These facts afford a 
glimpse of the inestimable value of our noble redwood forests. By the 
time our many sawmills have exhausted their present supply of timber, 
another growth will be ready for the saw." 

The qualifications of the redwood as a cabinet and fi: ,'shing wood are 
but just becoming known, but that it is destined to grow into a large 
separate interest seems probable. There are numerous other fine cabinet 
woods in the county such as the laurel, madrona and others, and in the 
appendix to this pamphlet will be found a list of the more important 
varieties in which Santa Cruz is so rich. 

VINES AND WINES. 

The indications that vine growing and wine making are rapidly coming 
to the front as permanent among the interests of Santa Cruz County, are 
everywhere about us. It is, comparatively, but a few years since the 
owner of a "timber claim " believed that when he had cleared the trees 
from his acres and turned them into lumber and fuel, he had realized about 
as much as he might expect to from his land and might as well give it 
away. But the vast resources remaining in those sunny hillsides, rich with 
the vegetable decay of ages of gigantic growths, have been gradually 
revealed by accident and experiment; thousands of acres are lying ready 
to be turned into prolific and profitable fruit farms and vineyards, and 
thousands more will be uncovered as the ax of the lumberman plys its 
way into the heart of the forest primeval. What has already been 
accomplished in the growth of table and wine grapes has become no small 
item in the annual income of the county, but of still more importance is 
the knowledge gained of the capabilities and the wonderful variety of soil, 
aspect, location and climate — a knowledge worth as much to cur vineyard- 
jsts as many million dollars of capital. Mr. Henry Meyrick, after a care- 
ful study of Santa Cruz possibilities in this line, thus compares them with 
those of European grape districts: "The Santa Cruz wine growing district 
lies from NW. to NE. from the city of Santa Cruz, and within 6 to 20 
miles' distance, at an elevation of from 1,000 to 2,500 feet, sloping 
towards the bay, sheltered from the ocean, with SE. to SW. exposure and 



60 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 

perfectly protected from the north. Here, suspended as it were, between 
the equable and sufficiently moist climate of the coast, and the hotter and 
drier climate of the interior valleys, with full southern exposure, and ample 
northern protection; with a perfect soil, lime, iron and volcanic; here is the 
natural home of the grape vine, where its only enemy is the ignorant or 
careless or negligent cultivator. Those rare peculiarities pf climate, soil 
and aspect not only keep the vines in perfect health and vigorous growth, 
enabling them to throw off all sorts of diseases and insect plagues, but 
they also produce the complete development of the higher qualities of the 
fruit, and this, w th studious cultivation of the proper sorts in due propor- 
tion we know to be the grand secret of all the celebrated vineyards of 
Europe. On these mountain slopes irrigation is quite unnecessary, for 
besides the equable moisture of the atmosphere, which can neither scorch 
nor mildew, the water is within such a reasonable depth that a scratch of 
the cultivator brings the necessary moisture to its proper place within reach 
of the roots. In France the average cost of an average acre of grape 
land may be placed at $400; here it may be similarly averaged at $25 to 
$100, and at those rates a vineyard of the best kind, even in Santa Cruz 
district, can be planted and brought into bearing at a cost of $100 to $150 
per acre. First year, cost of planting, etc., $25; second year, cultivation, 
$10; third year, $10; fourth year, most kinds pay some profit. Labor 
here costs more than in Europe, but very much less is required. In 
California the growth of the vines s so vigorous that artincial support and 
careful training and tying up are comparatively unnecessary; here, too, the 
rapid cultivator takes the place of the hoe. 12,000 lbs. of grapes per acre 
is just as usual in California as 6,000 Bos. in France, Germany, Italy or 
Ohio. A fair average of the comparative productiveness of France and 
California would be as follows: California, wine per acre 500 gallons; 
France, 250 gallons; 100 lbs. California must contain 25 to 40 lbs. of sugar; 
100 lbs. French, 15 to 20 lbs. of sugar. In 1,000 lbs. California grapes 
scarcely one pound of unripe or rotten fruit requires cutting out; the growth 
has been so vigorous and the ripening so steady and unchecked, while in 
all other climates the proportion is much larger. This continuous ripening 
by our long stretch of equable summer temperature and clear, straight, 
undiluted sunshine is on * of our chief and unquestioned advantages. And 
this combination of equable temperature and straight sunshine with the 
proper soil, warm, porous and friable, abounding in lime and iron, the 
chief natural foods of the grape plant, brings out the higher characteristics 
of the fruit in a remarkable manner." 

We present here a valuable paper upon vines and wines, kindly supplied 
to us by the Santa Cruz Viticultural and Horticultural Society, through 
their President, John A. Stewart: 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 6 1 

" Let me preface this paper by saying that it is not an embodiment of 
my own mere reading and experience, but an endeavor to express that of 
the Viticultural and Horticultural Society of Santa Cruz. To Judge Lo^an 
of Santa Cruz, Messrs. Jarvis, Mel, Fitch and Waterman of Vine Hill, I 
owe much of what I have here set down. I ought also to acknowledge my 
obligations to Messrs. Burns, Blodget and Comstock of Ben Lomond, to 
Messrs. Morrell and Loomis, of Highland, to Mr. Horstmann of Bear 
Creek, to Captain Austin of Blackburn Gulch, and Mr. Brown of Sum- 
mer Home Farm. 

" Santa Cruz County is mainly divided into three geological districts: 
Ben Lomond or the granite, Loma Prieta or the basaltic, and the foothills 
or cretaceous. Ben Lomond is not entirely granitic, it is interspersed with 
mountain limestone; the granite of Ben Lomond is porphoritic, decom- 
poses readily and forms a soil of the very richest granitic sand and gravel, the 
equivalent of the famous Hermitage; its amount of potash is large, it 
abounds in iron, and has sufficient soluble alumina and phosphoric acid. 
I could not on a priori grounds well imagine a soil more adapted to the 
production of white wines, and tests bear this out. I have tasted Chauche 
Gris wines made there which I have found no parallel to in the State. 

" Just as Ben Lomond is not entirely granitic, so also is Loma Prieta 
not entirely basaltic; the basalt passes up to a rather compact granite on the 
one hand and down to a fine tufa on the other. This rather rebellious 
Loma Prieta rock breaks up far more readily than a person new to it would 
suppose, and constitutes a soil fit to cause a vigneron ox fruitier jump with 
joy. That there is a great future at hand for the whole Loma Prieta range, 
from Mountain View to Watsonville, no one with as much as half an eye 
can doubt. Nothing but activity reigns on this range, and the whole of it 
is in the course of being torn and grubbed and planted, nevertheless, I will 
engage that nobody yet, not excepting the most sanguine and foreseeing on 
it, can anticipate all it is to be. 

"The foothills are cretaceous simply in the sense that chalk is the most 
predominant mineralogical element in them, but they are really a late 
tertiary formation of chalk, argil and silex, the counterpart of that of 
Malaga in Spain, and of Champagne in France, two of the most renowned 
pomological sections of the earth. The foothills' rock is schistose and 
regularly melts under the influence of sun and rain into a soil that if a 
vigneron ox fruitier were to make, he could not make better to his wish. It 
contains lime to give vinosity, argil to supply body, silex to crown with 
bouquet, and should color be wanted, the iron and manganese for the 
purpose is at hand. The phosphoric acid may not be high, still it is 
ample. A series of repeated analyses conducted by Judge Logan, of 



62 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 

Santa Cruz, and myself, for the past two years, of wines drawn from Vine 
Hill, the Zayante, Bear and Soquel Creek regions place vinosity between 
12 and 14 per cent., acidity between 4 and 7, we found the body in most 
cases excellent, seve good, bouquet surprising. The only drawback we 
could find was imperfect depth in the color, though no lack of brilliancy, 
and I'll admit that the dark reds of "Cahors " are not to be expected from 
the foothills, but ought to be from Loma Prieta; especially if the " cot- 
rouge " be cultivated there. 

I have been dwelling on the quality of our wines, and it may be said, 
* Enough on the quality, is nothing to be given touching quantity?' Mr. 
Mel gave the average of nine tons per acre for his Merlots to the Santa 
Cruz Viticultural and Horticultural Society last November, adding that his 
Merlots were in the second year from the graft, the stock, however, being 
vigorous Mission, over twelve years old, but that he did not care to have 
too much made of the fact, remembering he was counting for one year, 
till further experience came. Mr. Jarvis gave eleven tons for his Zinfandels 
last year and nine for this, he having Zinfandels only two years in bearing, 
while he continued "ray Charbonos, Mission, Verdals and Malvoisies have 
just yielded me twenty tons to the acre. Still, to give a better idea, I have 
just cellared from thirty acres of mixed old and new vines forty-one thous- 
and gallons of wine besides having sold forty tons of grapes. The Secre- 
tary of the Society along with the President were able to meet doubters of 
Mr. Jarvis' statements by averring that they themselves had aescended 
without warning on Mr. Jarvis' pickers, and seen eighty boxes of grapes, 
containing twenty-five pounds to the box, taken off thirty-one vines, while on 
looking round on a lot of. Verdals, they saw then what could not be less 
than seventy pounds to the vine. 

"I don't know whether the reader has observed it or not, but I have had 
all through this writing nothing except wine grapes presented to my mind. 
Allow me to correct my fault by adding that the taste, size and appearance 
of the Santa Cruz County table grape is all that could be desired whether 
it be borne from any place in the foothills from Corralitos to San Mateo, 
or from any portion of the high dividing range from Watsonville to Sara- 
toga, or from Ben Lomond, or from the broken lands of the bay coast. 
The sight in our pavilion last October, of the table grapes of Judge Miller 
and Mr. Loomis of Highland, of Messrs. Waterman, McMillan, Galbraith, 
Fitch and Horstman and others was one not easy to forget, containing 
among them grapes of over three inches and a quarter in circumference, 
while the taste kept equal step with the size and beauty. Whoever is a 
teetotaller and has banned wine by Bell, Book and Candle, and all the 
remaining solemn methods of the craft, can take heart and possess himself 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 63 

of some of Santa Cruz County and clothe it in table grape bearing 
vines, being assured of the happy result, if happy result is to be had any- 
where." 

AGRICULTURE. 

The assessed acreage of this county is 258,972, showing comparatively 
a small amount of Government land remaining in the county. As a matter 
of fact some thousands of acres are still left, but they are in the remoter 
parts of the county. However, the large grants which for many years 
remained intact here, as in so many other counties of California, are being 
rapidly sub-divided, and it is possible to purchase uncleared land in the 
most desirable locations for from $10 to $25 per acre. It must be 
remembered that, in this county, irrigation is never necessary; that it is not 
used except in the market gardens where a continuous succession of the 
same crop is desired, and that all our products of grain, potatoes, fruit, 
wine, etc., have, therefore, an acknowledged superiority of quality. In 
those portions of California, where irrigation is an imperative necessity, an 
allowance of $150 per acre must be made in the annual expense account 
for -the water without which no crops could be produced. With land at 
phenomenally high prices, as it is in the south, it will be seen that crops 
should be, indeed, phenomenal, and market prices high to make profit 
upon interest and expenses. But, in Santa Cruz County, with every 
Government section watered by an unfailing mountain stream, with a 
myriad springs welling up on every side, with a soil so deep and fertile as 
to be practically inexhaustible, with a mountain range w":ich condenses and 
precipitates the winter rainfall and conserves it for the whole year's use, 
with an aspect and topography so favorable that the whole county is equally 
free from standing water and from land that is sterile from drought, with the 
rainless portion of the year visited by salt fogs that refresh and invigorate 
vegetable growth as well as human life, we may claim to be absolutely free 
alike from the necessity of irrigation and the danger of damaging droughts. 
The Valley of the Pajaro, with its large acreage of the most fertile land, 
has never, in its history, known a failure of crops, while our horticulturists 
pursue the even tenor of their way, unhampered by anxiety about " dry 
seasons." 

Another point in our favor is that ours is not a one-crop county. We 
have no one specialty to advertise to the world while maintaining a discreet 
silence as to our paucity of other products. Our agriculture and horti- 
culture already give us in perfection wheat, barley, oats, corn, potatoes, 
sweet potatoes, hops, flax, apples, pears, prunes, apricots, cherries, almonds, 
English walnuts, grapes and such small fruits as raspberries, strawberries 
and blackberries in abundance. The cultivation of fruits and vines and 



64 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 

the making of wine is an assured success, and the experiments with the 
culture of the olives, citrus fruits, Japanese persimmons and other rare 
varieties have proven eminently successful. An estimate, based on figures 
from the books of the County Assessor, assisted by the judgment of those 
in a position to know whereof they speak, shows that there were sown to 
hay and grain in '86, 9,754 acres. The yield for that year is as follows: 

Wheat, centals 61,126 

Barley, " 23,400 

Oats, " 22,572 

Corn, " 9,590 

Hay, tons 3,338 

The yield per acre, of wheat, is in many instances immense. Forty-five 
bushels is about the average yield taking the county through, but in 
favored places and good years exceptional figures are reached. Portions of 
the county record ninety bushels of wheat, no bushels of barley, and of 
beans two tons, and potatoes 200 sacks to the acre. Hops have been 
cultivated with good success, with a yield of over a ton to the acre. Other 
farm products show wonderful yields and immense growth in individual 
instances. Pumpkins grow to a weight of more than 200 pounds, while 
25 pound beets are numerous, and a " dead beat " of 75 pounds is 
occasionally recorded as a chispa. 

Market gardening is a pleasant and profitable industry, and the vege- 
tables in market here during the whole year show by their variety, 
excellence and cheapness, the possibilities of climate and soil. San 
Francisco furnishes an available market for all excess of these products. 
Stock raising, although not yet developed into one of the largest 
industries, will, undoubtedly, be a great resource in the future. Our ample 
grazing facilities, pure water, equable climate and bracing air admirably 
adapt the county to the business. 

DAIRYING. 

Akin to agriculture is the great dairying interest of the county, the 
grazing lands in the northern part of the county and from Aptos, to the 
Pajaro River in the south, producing the first quality of cream, butter and 
cheese. Many of our dairies have had an established reputation for years, 
and their brand is all that is necessary to sell their products at the highest 
prices. Considerable pride and interest are shown in the improvement of 
dairy stock, and a large portion of the wealth of the county lies in these 
large tracts where even the dried and brown grasses of July and August 
yield a nourishing food which is richer in the elements of milk and cream 
than the fresher growths of early winter. 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 65 

From Mr. G. P. Laird, a prominent dairyman, I learn that there are 
in the northern part of the county about 25,000 acres of grazing land, of 
which about 20,000 are used for dairy purposes and the balance for stock 
raising. About 1,800 cows are milked and all the grazing land is occu- 
pied, although there are occasional opportunities for purchase. Messrs. 
Chas. Ford & Co., of Watson ville, write me that they estimate that, south 
of Apt os, there are about 35,000 acres devoted to pasture and grazing; 
that about 4,500 cows are milked, 1,500 of which are used in cheese 
dairies and the balance in butter dairies and on ranches which market 
more or less butter. The annual cheese product of that portion of the 
county is estimated at about 375,000 lbs.; and that of butter at about 
750,000 lbs. 

The deposits of bituminous rock have been already mentioned, and 
the fine pavement made from it without mixture with any other material 
has been described. Only one of these deposits has been developed; the 
extent of this resource is, therefore, unknown, but that it is of great value 
is certain, and an immense business is likely to result from it. 

A vast natural resource, the possibilities of which are, as yet, almost 
undeveloped, is the most wonderful variety and abundance of the food 
fishes of Monterey Bay. Save the work of a few Portuguese and Italian 
fishing boats, whose lateen sails dot the bay, nothing is done in the way of 
catching or preserving this delicious article of food, but it has undoubt- 
edly a future. In the appendix will be found a full descriptive list of 
these marine treasures prepared by Dr. C. L. Anderson, to whom I am 
indebted for much valuable aid. 

The possibilities of floriculture for pleasure and profit are pretty well 
understood in the county, and our amateur florists show admirable results 
for their study and labor; still, as a source of income, there has been but a 
small beginning made. Convenient shipping facilities and the short dis- 
tance from San Francisco make the shipping of cut flowers an interest of 
possible magnitude, while the fact that the open air flower season includes 
the whole year destroys the limitations to the business existing in less 
favored climates. An enthusiastic flower lover called upon a very success- 
ful amateur flower grower of Santa Cruz, Mrs. Martha Wilson, on 
Christmas Day, and that lady pointed out to him and named 32 varieties 
of blooming roses; 12 of fuchsias; 22 of geraniums; 5 of abutilons; 4 of 
honeysuckles; 3 of veronicas; 3 of periwinkles; 3 of salvias; 3 of pinks; 3 
of heliotropes; 2 of solanum; 2 of pyrethrum; 2 of spirea; 2 of ice plant; 
2 of wall flowers; laurestinus, diasma alba, raphilevis ovatus, alyssum, 
myrtle, gilliflowers, petunia (double and single), polyanthus, pansies, daisies, 
larkspurs, sweet violets, polygala-dalmaisa, habrathamnus, achania, narcis- 



66 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 

sus, pomegranate, callas, candy tuft, ilex, mahernia, verbenas, 
scabiosa, clianthus, tritomas, valerian, sweet peas, cigar plant, mignonette, 
cobea scandens, Scotch broom, cestrum and cinerarias; to these must be 
added the Peperita gum, Pepper tree and 6 varieties of acacias, making 
114 varieties of flowers in this open garden with no shelter but the sky. 

POULTRY RAISING. 

We are indebted to Mr. Otis A. Longley, of Santa Cruz, for the 
following notes upon this industry. " The climate of Santa Cruz is well 
adapted for raising poultry economically and advantageously, especially in the 
foothills and valleys. We never have to house our small chicks, a dry coop 
for the hen and a few boards nailed together to ward off the north wind 
being all that is necessary. The demand for poultry and eggs here, in the 
summer months, exceeds the supply, and the cities call for all which can be 
spared in fall and winter. The various breeds thrive equally here, it being 
neither too warm for the large nor too cold for the smaller kinds." 

Owing to the fact mentioned by Mr. Longley, viz: that the local 
demand, during several months in the year, largely exceeds the supply, an 
estimate of the yield of this product is made with difficulty. From 
figures given by the most prominent shippers in the county we estimate 
that there were shipped in '86, 387,055 dozens of eggs. The poultry 
estimates as a whole we are unable to arrive at. 

Looking for a little, at some other industries not connected with our 
agricultural resources, we find, among the more important, the manufacture 
of lime from the extensive deposits of fine lime rock in the Santa Cruz 
Mountains. An estimate for the yield of '86 of the various companies is 
as follows: 

Davis & Cowell 60,000 barrels. 

H. T. Holmes 50,000 " 

I. X. L. Co 30,000 » 

This product is shipped both by rail and steamer. The books of Capt. 
Sagar, of the P. C. S. S. line, showing shipments for '86 of 91,906 
barrels. 

Among the leading manufactures of the county the tanneries 
rank high. The abundance of the chestnut oak from which the tan bark is 
stripped, led to their establishment early in our history. The leather made 
here is of a superior quality, and the business gives employment to a large 
number of men, five tanneries being in operation, two in Santa Cruz, two 
in Soquel, one in Watsonville. 

A soap and glue factory has been established for more than twenty-five 
years and has earned an enviable reputation for the excellence of its 
products. The soap is mostly consumed by the home market, while the 
glue is used throughout the State. 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 67 

At the little village of Corralitos, where the Salsipuedes Creek furnishes 
water-power, there is established a paper mill, the property of a corporation 
representing a capital stock of $60,000. Straw paper and straw board 
for binders are the products of this mill, which gives employment to about 
forty men. From 2,500 to 3,000 tons of straw are used annually, and a 
monthly output of 125 tons of manufactured material is the yield of the 
mill. Another paper mill exists in Soquel, which employs about 23 
hands. Their product is straw wrapping paper, and their yearly output 
about 125,000 reams. 

The California Powder Works have half a million dollars invested in 
their factories in Powder Mill Canyon, where the conditions are unusually 
favorable for that industry. Eighty men, mostly skilled workers, are 
employed, and the houses of the employes and the buildings of the com- 
pany form quite a village. Four million pounds is the annual yield. 

Among other manufactures successfully operated in different parts 
of the county may be enumerated carriages, wagons and agricul- 
tural implements, railroad cars, stoves, and machinery of various sorts; 
bricks of good quality; a barrel and stave factory; a small beginning in the 
way of utilizing our fine cabinet woods, the unique and beautiful whorls 
of the redwood roots, laurel, manzanita, madrona, etc., — a business which 
might be greatly enlarged; several foundries, planing mills, etc. The fruit 
interest requires and would support canneries, factories for glace fruits, 
large fruit driers, etc. These industries are pursued only in a small way 
and as a side issue to some other business. The list of manufactures is 
creditable to our county, but that the field is only just entered and that a 
great future is possible in this direction is evident from the unusual facil- 
ities on all hands, not only for manufactures but for the directness with 
which markets may be reached. The reserve of water power is very great. 
A reliable authority divides it as follows: 

San Lorenzo and tributaries 5,000 horse power. 

Soquel » » 1,500 

Aptos " " 800 

Corralitos " " 300 

Meder " " 100 

Laguna " " 600 

San Vicente " " 500 

Scott's « " 1,500 

Waddell's « « 800 

Total 11,100 

Added to this, mention should be made of the great waste of power 
caused by the burning, at great expense, of the waste from saw mills, 
consisting of sawdust, edging, etc., which is enough to. furnish at least 5,000 
additional horse power. 



68 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 

In connection with this imperfect description of our resources, the 
following notes concerning shipments by sea, kindly given me by Capt. 
Geo. H. Sagar, agent of the P. C. S. S. Company, will be found of 
interest: 

" The past year being the year of freight war between the two rail- 
roads and the Steamship Company, on freights between Santa Cruz and 
San Francisco, the Steamship Company cut the rates down to nominal 
figures, the intent being to force the traffic to the railroad, at a figure that 
made it unprofitable to carry it; hence, the Steamship Company's business, 
in this particular, was less by three-fourths than in previous years. Never- 
theless, the imports of general merchandise and freights of all kinds per 
steamer, amounted to 2,235,904 Tbs. Exports by steamer during 1886, as 
follows, to all ports north and south: 

Dairy products, eggs 3,400 lbs. 

" " poultry 3,750 " 

" " butter 58,150 " 

" " cheese 133,877 " 

Fruit, apples, etc 181,655 " 

General mdse, household goods, etc 467,000 " 

Glue 34,548 « 

Lime, b bis. 91,906 22,976,500 « 

Lumber 591,189 feet. 

Fence posts 24,915 

Shingles 828,000 

Shakes 418,000 

Split pickets 7,660 

Telegraph poles 1,362 

Wharf piles. 132 

Flour in transit 55,220 lbs. 

"Note. Several schooner loads of timber were also exported during 
the past year, probably amounting to 700,000 or 800,000 feet more. The 
exports of building materials by rail, south and north, has been largely 
above the average. The exports of powder, leather, etc., go ex- 
clusively by rail under special contract for a term of years. Nearly half 
the butter, etc , etc., exported goes also by rail, and the exports by rail 
have been very large, probably five times as much as by steamer." 

For those who desire to build homes in the city of Santa Cruz, a few 
items may not be amiss, although the margin in difference in prices, with 
regard to location, value of improvements, etc., renders it difficult to 
make exact statements. Beginning at a distance of one mile from the 
city limits, lots 50x100 feet in size may be had at prices ranging from $25 
to $200. Within the half mile limit the same would cost from $200 to 
$400, while on the best residence streets property has recently sold at 
from $20 to $40 per front foot. Business property on the main avenue is 
held as high as $300 per front foot. 

Common lumber is $15 per M.; lime $1 50 per barrel; nails and 
hardware at Eastern prices; wages of carpenters, masons and mechanics 
range from $2 50 to $3 50 per day. 



SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. 



6 9 



SHIPPING AND TRAVEL. 

There are fourteen railway stations and five steamer landings within 
the county limits. The S. P. C. R. R. (narrow gauge) runs over and 
through the mountains direct to San Francisco, via Los Gatos, San Jose 
and Alameda. Distance, 80 miles. The Southern Pacific Railroad, 
(broad gauge) via Watsonville, the Santa Clara Valley and San Mateo. 
Distance, 120 miles. Also runs direct to Monterey, 40 miles around the 
bay. The Pacific Coast Steamship Co. run steamers from San Diego to 
Alaska and way ports, stopping regularly at Santa Cruz. 



Fraternal Societies, Etc- 



OFFICIAL DIRECTORY. 



Santa Cruz Chapter, No. 38, R. A. M. 
Santa Cruz Lodge, No. 38, F. and A. M. 
Idlewild Chapter, No. 19, O. E. S. 
Pajaro Lodge, No. 110, F. and A. M. 
Temple Chapter, No. 41, R. A. M. 
Lily of the Valley Chapter, No. — , O. E. S. 
Watsonville Commandery, No. 22, K. T. 
Braneiforte Lodge, No. 96, 1. O. O. F. 
San Lorenzo Lodge, No. 147, I. O. O. F. 
Santa Cruz Encampment, No. 30, 1. O. O. 

F. 
Soquel Lodge, Nt>. 137, I. O. O. F. 
Watsonville Lodge, No. 90, I. O. O. F. 
Isabella Rebekah Degree Lodge, No. 17, I. 

O. O. F. 
Avalon Lodge, No. 89, K. of P. 
Iolanthe Lodge, No. 118, K. of P. 
Avalon Division, No. 9, U. R., K. of P. 
Santa Cruz Parlor, No. 90, N. S. G. W. 
Watsonville Parlor, No. 65, N. S. G. W. 
J. F. Reynolds Post, No. 98, G. A. R. 
Commissarv Department, Reynolds Post, 

G. A. R. 
W. H. L. Wallace Post, No. 32, G. A. R. 
Thomas Amner Post, No. 78, G. A. R. 
R. L. McCook Post, No. 26, G. A. R. 
Santa Cruz Lodge. No. 46, A. O. U. W. 
Boulder Creek Lodge, No. 240, A. O. U. W. 
Watsonville Lodge, No. 45, A. O. U. W. 
Santa Cruz Lodge, No. 3046, K. of H. 
Watsonville Lodsre. No. 2045, K. of H. 
Santa Cruz Lodge, No. 506, American Le- 
gion of Honor. 
Santa Cruz Lodge, No. 90, U. O. of H. 
Soquel Lodge, No. — , TJ. O. of H. 
Felton Lodge, No. — , TJ. O. of H. 
Boulder Lodge, No. — , U. O. of H. 
Corralitos Lodge, No. — , TJ. O. of H. 
Watsonville Lodge, No. — , TJ. O. of H. 
Santa Cruz Stamm, No. 12-5, TJ. O. R. M. 
Minnehaha Tribe, No. 15, I. O. R. M. 
Santa Cruz Division, No. 2, A. O. H. 
Santa Cruz Council, No. 25, United 

Friends of the Pacific. 
Watsonville Council, Chosen Friends. 
Madrona Grove, No. 21, TJ. A. O. D. 
Catholic Benevolent Society, No. 270. 
Young Men's Institute, No. 12. 
Santa Cruz Lodge, No. 499, 1. O. G. T. 
Pajaro Valley Lodge, No. 292, 1. O. G. T. 
Eureka Division, No. 4, S. of T. 
Soquel Division, No. — , S. of T. 
Santa Cruz Branch, Y. M. C. A. 
Ladies' Auxiliary, Y. M. C. A. 
Santa Cruz Branch, W. C. T. TJ. 
Santa Cruz Branch, Y. W. C. T. U. 
Washington Camp, No. 15, P. O. S. of A. 
Martha Washington Camp, No. 3, P. O. D. 
of A. 



MUNICIPAL AUTHORITIES. 

Mayor Robert Effey 

Councilman 1st Ward A. P. Swanton 

Councilman 2d Ward Hi F. Kron 

Councilman 3d Ward Wm. T. Jeter 

Councilman 4th Ward J. H. Skirm 

Clerk and Assessor Wm. H. Bias 

Treasurer and Collector Peter R. Hinds 

City Attorney Underwood McCann 

Superintendent of Streets. ..Wm. E. Miller 

Chief of Police W. W. Clark, Jr 

Night Watchman Amos Lunt, Jr 

Night Watchman John P. Majors 

Pound Master James King 

FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

Chief Engineer T. A. Sweeney 

Second Assistant Jas. B. Harris 

Alert Hose, No. 1 F. Bartlett, Foreman 

Pilot Hose, No. 2 H. Effey, Foreman 

Pogonip Hose, No. 3...H. Keym, Foreman 

Relief Hose, No. 4 J. Severio, Foreman 

Kirby Hose, No. 5, A. Thompson, Foreman 
Hook & Ladder Co...L. L. Rogge, Foreman 

COUNTY. 

Superior Judge F. J. McCann 

Clerk. Auditor and Recorder Ed Martin 

Deputy Clerk Horace Wanzer 

Sheriff and Tax Collector Elmer Dakan 

Under Sheriff. Thos. Dakan 

Deputy Tax Collector W. C. Hoffmann 

Treasurer Chas. Steinmetz 

District Attorney Wm. T. Jeter 

Deputy District Attorhey..H. E. Makinney 

Assessor... T. V. Mathews 

Surveyor T. W. Wright 

School Superintendent J. W. Linscott 

Coroner Dr. F. E. Morgan 

BOARD OF SUPERIVSORS. 

N. P. Ingalls Santa Cruz Township 

M. Leonard Braneiforte Township 

J. A. Blackburn Pajaro Township 

Henry Daubenbiss Soquel Township 

F. D. Seelye San Lorenzo Township 

BOARD OF EDUCATION. 

J. W. Linscott Watsonville 

G. W. Hursh Watsonville 

H. E. Makinney Santa Cruz 

Prof. D. C. Clark Santa Cruz 

W. R. Wilson Soquel 



7IPPEIJDIX. 



Sonje of tl^e IQore In^portarjt Bood Bisljes of 
IQoijterey Bay. 



[Compiled chiefly from papers of Prof. David S. Jordan, and published by the U. 
8, Commission of Fish and Fisheries, under the direction of Spencer F. Baird, Com- 
missioner, and Geo. Brown Goode, Assistant Director of the U. S. National Museum.] 



BY C. L. ANDERSON, M. D. 

In this list of the food fishes of Monterey Bay and streams entering therein we 
have indicated about 150 species. The list might be considerably enlarged. 

Probably there is no locality of the same area that contains a greater number of 
species on the Pacific Coast than Monterey Bay. 

This might be expected when we consider the climate and other physical features 
of this body of water. On the north (the Santa Cruz shore) the coast is mainly of 
shale, with rather a soft rocky shore, with not very deep water and consequently some- 
what warmer than the ocean temperature, abounding in a rich marine flora, conditions 
favorable to the breeding, protection and growth of fishes. There are streams and lagoons 
also of considerable size and number in which many kinds are accommodated. On 
the east and southeast the shores are flat, sandy, and many tide channels and lagoons 
abound, where certain kinds of fish find food and abundant places-- for breeding. On 
the southern shore are hard granitoid rocks, coarse and fine sand, and plenty of 
shelter among the rocks projecting from elevated ledges surrounded by deep water, 
favorable for Rock Fish and other similar kinds. 

The bottom of the bay, so far as we can judge by the comparatively few sound- 
ingSj is cut across by submarine valleys, the principal one commencing near the 
mouths of the Salinas and Pajaio Rivers, and opening into the ocean in a northwest- 
erly direction. At places along this valley nearly 2,000 feet have been measured 
without finding bottom. 

Thus it will be seen that Monterey Bay has the elements for sustaining a large 
and varied fauna of no small value to the present and future population of this region. 
And while our Government and the various States are spending millions of dollars to 
distribute, foster and protect their fish, and fishing grounds have become a matter of 
serious national contention, we are happily located beside a reservoir with the great 
Pacific Ocean to draw from, of such an excellent variety and quality of fishes that 
every taste may be easily suited and supplied. 

There is so much uncertainty in the common names of fish that of necessity I have 
given the scientific names, without which this list would be comparatively worthless. 

1. Halibut— Paralichthyfs maculosus— Known in San Francisco as the " Monte- 
rey Halibut " or " Bastard Halibut;" reaches 3 feet in length, weighing (;0 lbs., although 
the majority taken weigh much less. 

2. Starry Flounder— Pleuronectes stellatus— Average length fifteen inches; 
weight 2 or 3 lbs., although it sometimes reaches 3 feet, and weighs 15 or 20 lbs. As a food 
fish this is held in high esteem. 

3. Diamond Flounder— Hypsopsetla guitulala — Known as the " Turbot " in San 
Francisco. One of trie most firm-fleshed of the Flounders. 

4. California Soi^—Lepidopselta bili7ieata— Average weight about 3 lbs. An 
excellent food fish, somewhat abundant. Found in rocky places and deep water. 

5. Parophrys velulus— Another Sole, but smaller. Very abundant near the shore, 
and is taken in gill nets and seines. Not as good looking as other Flounders but sells 
readily. 

6. P. isolepis— This is called a Sole also. Length 10 inches; weighs x / 7 . a lb.— some- 
times much larger. 

7. Citharichthys sordidus— One of the smallest species of Sole. About the size of 
No. 6. A deep water species. Takes The hook readily. 

8. San Francisco SoL>n—Psetrichthys melauosticlus—TIixs the best claim to the 
name of Sole. Average length 15 inches. Found in rather shallow water. 

9. JHippoglossoides Jordani— This is universally known as Sole. Average about 3 
lbs. One of the best flounders. Found in shallow water. Great numbers are taken 
out by Chinamen on set lines baited with anchovies. This is the most abundant Sole 
in Monterey Bay. 

10. H. exilis—A small slender Flounder found in deep water with sandy bottoms. 
Weight about y 2 lb.; length 6 inches. Too small to be of much value. Has large scales 
and very Large eves. 

11. SLIPPERY Sole— Glyptocephalus Paciflcus— Only taken in deep water. Usually 
8 inches long and weighs % a lb. The larger ones are very good. More slimy than any 
other Flounder. 

. 12. Long Finned Sole— 0. Zachir*x$— Only in deep water; somewhat rare; flesh 
firm and white, of superior flavor. 
1J{. PleuronicMhya ccenosus. 

14. /'■ vertical i <. 

15. P. qiuidrituberculatus. 

These three species have no distinctive name among fishermen. Unlike other 



appendix. 7 r 

Flounders they feed chiefly on seaweeds. Sometimes they take the hook. Size about 
10 inches lone: and weighs 1 to 2 lbs. Found usually in deep water. 

16. Common Halibut— HLppoglossus vulgaris— Although not common this fish is 
sometimes found here. Its range is further north, where it is very abundant and of 
large size. 

17. Tom Cod— Microgadus proximus— Usually served under the name of " Smelt " 
in San Francisco. Weighs about % lb. and one^-half to one foot in length. Taken very 
abundantly in seines and sweep nets. Found at all seasons. One of the most import- 
ant food fishes of this coast. 

18. Alaska i ollock— Pollachius chaleogrammus— Noted for its rich, fat flesh. 
Reaches a length of about 2 feet. Deep water; caught with hook and line; not usually- 
very plentiful in this bay. 

19. California Hake— Merlucius productus— Called sometimes " Horse Mack- 
erel," a name applied to several other species of fish. Weight about 6 lbs. The 
Italians call it Merlooch. 

20. Red CxjSK—Brosmophycis marginatus— The Italians know it as Musteta* 
Bright colors; length 10 to 18 inches; deep water. 

21. Wolf Fishes — Two small species {Lycodopsis paucidens and L. micr ostomy s,} 
are found in deep water; about one foot in length. 

22. Wolf Eel— Anarrichthys ':cellatus— The Italians call it "Morina." Four to & 
feet in length and weighs 10 to 30 lbs. Is a good food fish. 

23. Blenny— There are about a dozen species of the Blenioid fishes. They live 
mostly about the rocks between tides among the seaweeds and but few of them are 
used as food. 

24. Singing or Toad Fish— Porichthys porosissimus— Muddy bottoms; abundant; 
length 10 to 15 inches; not considered good food. 

25. Goby— There are several species which may be seen lying on the bottoms 
entering the lagoons. One (Gilllchthys mirabilis) is eaten by the Chinese, and its flesh 
is said to be very good. It burrows in the muddy bottom of lagoons. 

26. Sculpin— Although there are about 10 or 12species in this bay, only one has much 
value as a food fish, that is the "Cabezon" of the Italians— sometimes called "Scor- 
pion " and " Biggy-head." It is taken with hooks and gill nets, and reaches a length 
of two feet or more, and a weight of 10 lbs. It is not used much when better fish can 
be had. 

27. Rock Fish or Rock Cod— This is an important family, ranking high as food 
fishes. There are many species, but the more important are as follows: 

1. Sebastichthys nigrocinctus (Black Banded Rock Fish). Found in deep water; 
brilliant colors; weight 3 lbs.: length 15 inches. 

2. S. serriceps— Called by Portuguese " Tree-fish." Not so large as No. 1; hand- 
somely colored. 

3. 8. nebulosus (Speckled Rock Cod), " Garupa," common; weight 2 or 3 lbs. 

4. 8. chrysomelas (Black and Yellow Garupa), attractive colors. 

5. S. carnatus (Flesh Colored Rock Cod). 

6. S. maliger (Yellow Backed Rock Fish). 

7. 8. caurinus (Red Garupa). 

8. S. rastrelliger (Grass Rock Fish, so called from its color.) Said to be the best 
of all Rock Fish. 

9. 8. auriculatus (Brown Rock Fish). 

10. S. chlorosticus (Vermillion Fish), excellent food. 

11. S. rhodochloris (Fly Fish or Olive Green Rock Fish)— A small species, seldom 
weighing more than a pound. 

12. 8. rosaceus (Corsair of the Portuguese fishermen)— Caught with trawl lines; 
small, but ranks high as foou fish. 

13. S. conslellatus (Spotted Corsair)— Much like the last but not so abundant. 

14. 8. rubrivv'iclus (Spanish Flag, so called from its broad bands of red-white and 
red.) In color it is the most brilliant fish on the coast; reaches a weight of about lbs,. 

15. 8. ruber (Red Rock Fish, par excellence). The Portuguese at Monterey call it 
the |; Tambor." It is the largest species, attaining a weight of 12 or more lbs., and one 
of the most common species. 

16. 8. miniatus (Rasher of the Portuguese). 

17. S. pinniger (Orange Rock Fish)— Very much like 15 and 16. 

18. S. atrovirens (Garupa or Green Rock Fish)— Excellent food. 

19. 8. elongatus (" Reina," Queen.) — Lives in deep water; reaching about 2 lbsv 
weight. 

20. 8. ovalis (" Viuva," Widow.)— Larger than preceding; seldom found. 

21. &. entomales— Similar to ovalis. 

22. 8. mystinus (Black Rock Fish)— The Portuguese call it" Priest Fish," in allusion 
lo its dark colors. Average weight 2 or 3 lbs. 

23. 8. melanops (Spotted Black Rock Fish)— In size and value about the same as 
the melanops. 

24. 8. flavidus (Yellow Tail Rock Fish)— The caudal fin is always yellow. Abun- 
dant, and one of the best market fishes. 

25. Sebastodes paucispinus (" Big Mouth " or Boccaccio)— One of the largest of the 
group, weighing 10 to 15 lbs.; excellent food and abundant. The most voracious of the 
family. 

28. Green Rock Trout— Ilexagrammus lagocephalus. 

29. Spotted Rock Trout— H. de cagr animus— -The Portuguese of Monterey call 
these 2 species " Boregat " and "Bodieron." Length about 12 or 15 inches. They are 
fairly good food. 

30. Cultus or Bastard Cov—ODhiodon elongatus— Called "Codfish" where the 
true Cod is unknown. The average weight is from 6 to 10 lbs., although in northern 
waters it often reaches 50 or GO lbs.; length one to two feet. 



7 2 APPENDIX. 

31. Black Candle Fish— Anoplopoma fimbria— Called in Puget Sound " Horse 
Mackerel," at San Francisco " Candle Fish." Reaches a weight of 5 lbs. and a length 
of 20 inches. 

32. SENORiTA—P-ieudojulismodestuis— Sometimes known as " Pescery." Found in 
the kelp; weight about % lb. Used chiefly for bait although excellent food. 

33- Perch or Surf Fish— Fish under these names are numerous and belong to 
different genera and species. 

1. Racochilus toxotes ("Sprat" at Santa Cruz, and " Alfione" at Soquel). This is 
the largest of the group. Length 6 to 18 inches, weight 1 to 5 lbs. Considered a good 
food fish. 

2. Damalichthys argyrosorrms (" Perch " or " White Perch.") 

■3. Ditrema turcatum (" White Perch.") — Lives in sheltered bays. 

4. D. atripes — Taken in seines near shore. 

5. D. laterale (Blue Surf Fish)— Common. 
•6. D. Jacksoni (Black Perch). 

'7. Hypsurus Caryi (" Moharra " by the Portuguese, and " Perch." 

8. Amphistichus argentem (Silver Perch)— Abundant along sandy beaches. 

'9. Holconotus rhodoterus—Htis no common name. Abundant at Soquel. 

10. H. Agassizi— With No. 9. 

11. H. argenteus ("Wall Eye," on account of its very large eyes). 

12. H. analis— Used for bait at Soquel. 

13. Brachysteus rosaceus — Less than % lb. 

14. B.frenatus— Smaller than the preceding. 

15. Cymplogasleraggregatusi" Minnow," " Shiner," '• Sparada.")— Perhaps the most 
abundant species on the coast. 

16. Abcone aurora. 

17. A. minima ("Shiner.") 

34. Tinker Mackerel— Scomber pneumatophorus—" Easter Mackerel," "Little 
Mackerel." This fish is seldom more than 14 inches in length. It is thought by some 
that there are Mackerel enough on our coast, of the best quality, to supply all the 
wants of our State without importing. 

35. Monterey Mackerel— Scomberomorus concolor — This fish has only been seen 
in Monterey Bay, mostly at Soquel. It reaches a weight of 5 to 8 lbs., and is 30 inches 
in length. They appear in September and disappear about November. The flesh is 
excellent and they bring a high price. 

36. Bon no— Sarda Chilensis-Som.etim.es called " Spanish Mackerel," " Skipjack," 
and Tuna. Taken in great numbers in summer and fall in company with the Barra- 
cuda, by trolling. Average weight 12 lbs. Held in high esteem as a food fish. 

37- Long-finned Tunny— Orcynus alalonga— Known also as the "Albicore." 
Reaches a weight of 12 lbs. Is shorter and deeper than the Bonito, and not so good for 
food. Seldom comes within 6 miles of shore. 

38. Horse Mackerel or Scad— Trachurus picturatus— Arrives here in August, 
disappearing before December. Sometimes exceedingly abundant. Attains a length 
of 12 inches and a weight of 1 lb. Great numbers are salted for bait. As a food fish it 
is excellent, but for some reason is not held in high esteem. Sometimes our beaches 
are strewn with these fish, driven ashore by other fish pursuing them. 

39- California Pompano— Stromaleus simillibus— Appears in schools in summer 
and fall. Is about 6 to 8 inches long and weighs nearly % a pound. Its flesh is rich, 
fat and excellent. Increasing in abundance since 1870. 

40. White Fish, Blanquillo— Caulolatilus anomalus— -Its average weight is 4 or 
5 lbs. and length 15 inches. Fair quality when fresh, but salted it is first quality. 

41. White Sea Bass— Cynoscioii nobile—" Sea Trout," "Corvina." It reaches a 
length of 4 to 6 feet and a weight of 50 to 75 lbs.; as seen in marke!:. the average is about 
15 lbs. One of the most important food fishes on the coast. 

42. Little Bass or Roncador — Genyonemus lineatus— Weight 1 lb., length 1 foot, 
the average is less; good when fresh but will not keep long. 

43. King Fish ok Queen Fish— Seriphus politus— Excellent; taken in great 
numbers in seines at Soquel. Weight % lb., length 8 inches or less. 

44. Blue Fish— Girella nigricans— Length about 12 inches, weight about 3 lbs. 
Lives entirely on seaweeds; good quality; very tenacious of life. 

45. Jew Fish— Stereolepis gigas— Sometimes called " Black Sea Bass." The 
largest food fish on the coast, reaching a weight of 500 lbs. Found in deep water, and, 
owing to its size, is seldom caught. 

46- Cabrilla or Kelp Salmon— Seranus clathratus—" Rock Bass " of the Amer- 
icans; weight 5 lbs. or less. 

47. Rock Bass or Johnny Verde— S. nebulifer— Length 12 to '20 inches, weight 
about 5 lbs.; much like the preceding; not common; of excellent quality. 

48- Cabrilla or Rock Bass— S. mac ulofasciaius— father smaller than the preced- 
ing, but similar in other respects. 

49. Barracuda— Sphyrcena picuda— One of the best food fishes; caught with hook 
and troll; reaches 3 feet in length and a weight of 12 lbs. 

50. Deal Fish— Trachypterus altivelis— The Makah Indians call it " King of the 
Salmon," and will allow no one to eat it for fear the Salmon will never return. A 
beautiful fish, with silver and golden colors. Sometimes cast ashore on our beaches. 

51. Mullet— Mugil albu la— About 8 or 10 inches in length; found in the ocean 
and in muddy lagoons; considered a good food fish. 

52. Smelt— Atherinopsis Galiforniensis— Found in rocky, sheltered bays; very 
abundant; not migratory; average size 5 to 10 inches. One of the most important food 
fishes on the coast. 

53. Little Smelt— A. afllnis— Associated with the preceding but smaller. 
Found in sheltered sandy bays and lagoons. 

54. Sticklebacks — Gasterosteus aculeatus and G. microcepTialus— These two 
species serve mainly as food for other fishes. 



APPENDIX. 73 

55. Skipjack— Scqmberesox brevirostris—R&re; a sort of Mackerel Pike, belonging 
to the flying fish family. 

56. Quinnat or California Salmon— Oncorhynchus Oho u icha— This is the " King 
Salmon," " Choweecha," or Columbia and Sacramento River Salmon. It reaches a 
weight of 60 to 90 lbs., but in this vicinity is much smaller. This is a splendid fish 
and has no equal on the coast. While most of our market Salmon come from tha 
Sacramento, the home supply at most seasons is abundant. 

57. Rainbow Trout— Salmo irideus—" Brook Trout," '• Mountain Trout," 
"Speckled Trout." and other names are applied to this fish. It is found in all of our 
mountain streams. Four inches to a foot in length. Seldom goes into the salt water. 

58. Black Spotted Trout— Salmo purpuratus—" Salmon Trout," " Silver Trout." 
etc. An exceedingly variable fish, according to size, age and locality. From 2 inches 
up to 3 feet in length. Abundant in largo streams and in the ocean. An excellent and 
popular food fish. 

59. Steel-head Salmon— Salmo Gairdneri— Sometimes called "Hard-head." 
When large called "Salmon Trout." Average weight, when grown, about 16 lbs. 
Always found cl<^se to the shore. 

60. Dolly Varden Trout — Salvelinus inalma—-'- Red-spotted Trout." " Lake 
Trout," etc. Weight 12 lbs. or less. In mountain streams it breeds at a length of 6 or 
8 inches. 

61. Surf Smelt— Osmerw thaleichlhys— Length 6 to 8 inches; serves as food for 
other fish, and is not a bad fish when fresh. Som 'times called "California Smelt" 
where No. 52 is unknown. 

62. Another surf Smelt— Hypomesus o'idut—A. foot or less in length; found at all 
seasons, but in August go in great schools near shore; as a pan fish is unsurpassed. 

68. Snake Fish.— Synodus luciocept— This fish is occasionally eaten, but is of not 
much value. 

64- California Her king— Oiupea mirabalis — This scarcely differs from the 
Herring of the Atlantic; less than a foot in length. One of the most important, of food 
fishes. 

65. California Sardine— Clupea sa^yaas— Almost exactly identical with the 
Sardine of Europe. Smaller than the preceding. Probably to some extent migratory. 
The bay, near the beach, is darkened for lontr distances, at, certain seasons, with this 
little fish. It is excel lent food, and, owing to its great abundance, must some time 
prove valuable. 

66- California Anchovy— Stolephorus ringens— -It is about -J to 6 inches in length, 
is extremely common and serves a food for Salmon, Bonito, Sea, Bass and Barracuda. 
They are used as bait for Flounders and Rock Fish; have no other economic value. 

67. Sucker— Cottostomus — Found in all the streams entering the bay. 

68. Rat Fish— Chimcera Oolliei— Reaches a length of nearly 2 feet, and weighs 5 
or 6 lbs. The liver is large and well filled with oil of a superior quality. The flesh is 
not good. 

69- CxiiP—Cyprinus carpio— This fish has been introduced and cultivated in ponds 
and sluggish streams. There is, however, a native species in our streams named 
Orthodon microlepidotus, which is said to be good fool. It reaches a length of 12 or .18 
inches. 

70. Eels and Catfish— There are several species of these fish in our streams and 
along our coast. But their history has not been sufficiently made out to clearly dis- 
tinguish them. They are not of much interest, however, at present, as food fishes. 

71. Ra^s, Skates and Torpedo— These fish are more remarkable for their 
annoyance to fishermen Mian for the food they furnish. The " Sting Ray " (Myliobatis 
Californicus) has a sharp spine (sting) which may pierce the hands or feet causing 
severe wounds and, perhaps, blood poisoning. The true Rays (Rata inornata, R. 
binoculala, R. rhina, and R. stellulata) are more plentiful than useful. The first two 
are found in the markets of San Francisco and used by the French for food. They are 
about 2 feet in length. There are two species of the Rhinobatus and one Torpedo. 

72. Sharks— The list of Sharks in this bay number about fourteen. Three are 
very large, reaching 30 or 40 feet in length, and are valued for the oil obtained from 
their livers. The young of some species are dried by the Chinese for the use of that 
people. Some are pursued for their oil such as Nos. 2, 10 and 14. No. 10 is valuable for 
its fins, and No. 14 for its skin, which is used to polish wood work— also for the oil of Its 
liver. 

1. Squatina angelus (Angel Fish). 

2. Heptranchias maculatus (Shovel-nosed Shark). 

3. Hexanchus corinus— Three to 5 feet. 

4. Scylliorrhinus ventriosus (Ground Shark). 

5. Alopes vulpes (Thrasher)— Five to 15 feet. 

6. Isurus oxyrhynchus — About 7 feet. 

7. Lamna cornubica (Mackerel Shark)— Eight to 10 feet. 

8. Carcharodon carcharias (Man-eater Shark)— Rare; 15 to 35 feet. 

9. Cetorhinus maximus (Bone Shark, Basking Shark)— Thirty-six to 40 feet. 

10. Galeorhinus zygopterus (Oil Shark). 

11. Triads semi/asciatus (Cat Shark). 

12. T. Henlei. 

13. Mustelus Califoimieus. 

14. JSqualus acanthias (Dog Fish)— One to 3 feet. 

73. Hag Fish or Slime Eel— Polistotrema Stouts- This is a low kind of fish, but 
important because of its destructiveness to other fishes. It fastens on the eyes and 
gills and works its way into the Rock Fish and other kinds, eating all except bones and 
skin, leaving an empty hulk. They reach a length of 14 inches. 

74. Lamprey Eels— Pelromyzon— Found in fresh and brackish water. Doubtless 
a good food fish but seldom used. Their habits and qualities are too imperfectly known 
on this coast. 



74 APPENDIX. 

Qative Srees arid Scrubs of Sarjta Cruz Souijty. 

BY C. L. ANDERSON, M. D. 

The list of native trees and shrubs of this county is comparatively numerous. This 
is owing to variety of soil, climate and water supply. Few places in or near this lati- 
tude of i he same area present as great a variety. 

This catalogue is not offered as complete, further investigation will doubtless 
discover a greater number. But this may serve a good purpose, to indicate to practical 
horticulturists the immense scope for the introduction of foreign trees and shrubs that 
can be cultivated with success for fruit and ornament. 

Barberry Family— Herberts aquifolium (Oregon Grape. Yerba Rheuma) — Used 
in various forms of "Bitters." A handsome shrub two to eight feet high. 

Poppy Family— Dendromeccon rigidum (Tree Poppy)— A shrub two to eight feet 
high with showy yellow flowers. 

Staff Tree Family— Enonymus occidtntalis (Spindle Tree. Burning Bush) — A 
shrub six to ten feet high. 

Buckthorn Family— Rhamnus Californica (Wild Coffee)— The seed looks like cof- 
fee grains, but it is not a good substitute. 

Ceanothusthyrsifiorus (California lilac)— A tall shrub six to twenty-five feet high. 
Abundant, and quite ornamental. 

C. sorediatus, six to eight feet high. 

C. incanus, six to ten feet high. 

C. papillosum, three to ten feet high. 

C. crassifolius, four to twelve feet high. 

C. cuneatus, three to twelve feet high. 

C. rigidus, five feet high. 

C. sp. ? A beautiful shrub with sprays of white flowers in May. On Ben 

Lomond. 

Maple Family — JSsculus Californica ( Buckeye. Horse Chestnuts). 

Acer mucrophyllum (Broad-leaved Maple)— A fine large tree, valuable for its light, 
soft, close-grained wood. 

Negundo Cal fornicum (Box Elder)— A large tree; wood similar to the above. 

Sumac Family— Rhus diversiloba (Poison Oak)— A shrub, tree or vine, according 
to circumstances. 

Pea Family— Pickeringia montana—\ shrub, two to eight feet high. 

Lupinus arboreus (Tree Lupine)— Four to ten feet high, with various colored frag- 
ment flowers. 

L. albifrons— (White-branched Lupine) — One to four feet high. Ornamental. 

Rose Family — Prunus emarginala (Wild Cherry). 

P. demissa (Wild Cherry). 

P. ilicifolia (Evergreen Cherry. Islay). 

P. mollis (Soft-leaved Cherry). 

These wild cherries grow sparingly in the mountains and become trees of consid- 
erable size— six to forty feet high. 

Nuttallia cerasiformis (Osoberry) — Two to fifteen feet high. 

Spirea discolor and var ariosfolia (Meadow Sweet)— Four to eight feet high. Orna- 
mental. 

Rubus Kutkanus (Salmon Berry). 

R. leucodermis (Raspberry). 

R. ursinus (Blackberry) — These last two bear excellent fruit of superior flavor. 

Adenosloma fasciculatum (Chemisal). — u Chapparal" lands are largely covere d with 
this plant. 

Rosa Cdifornica (Wild Rose)— Much like the Rosa blanda of the East. 

R. gymnocarpa — In the redwoods. A small but richly fragrant rose. 

Heteromeles arbutifolia (Toyon)— Four to twenty feet high, bears red berries at 
Christmas and is very ornamental. 

Amelanchier aln/folia (June berry. Service berry). 

Saxifrage Family — Currants and Gooseberries — Ribes speciosum — A beautiful 
wild gooseberry with fuschia-like flowers, six to ten feet high. 

R. divaricatum (Gooseberry). 

R. Menziesii (Gooseberry). 

R. sanguineum (Red-flowering Currant). 

R. azureum (Yellow-flowering Currant). 

Dogwood Family— Corn us Californica — (Common Dogwood). 

C. glabrala. 

Oarrya eliptica—An ornamental evergreen shrub three to eight feet high. 

Honeysuckle Family— Sambucus glauca (Elder)— Becomes quite a tree in places, 
reaching thirty feet in height and twelve inches in diameter. 

Symphorian pus racemosus (Snowberry). 

S. mollis (Downy Snowberry). 

Lonicera hispidula (Honeysuckle) — There are three or four varieties. 

L. involucrata (Twin Honeysuckle). 

Composite Family— Bigelovia arborescens—A shrubby plant three to nine feet 
high. 

Baccharis pilularis—A shrub two to eight feet high. 

Heatii Family— Vaccinium jxtnifolium (Tree Cranberry)— Three to six feet hie:h. 

V. ovatum (Blueberry)-— Abundant; 5 to 15 feet, in height. The berry is excellent. 

Arbulus Menziesii (Madrono)— A most attractive and valuable tree. 

A rctontaphylon tomentosa (Manzani ta). 

A. Andersonii — Becomes quite a tree on Ben Lomond, the largest of the Manea- 
nitas reaching 20 feet in height and & inches in -diameter. 



APPENDIX. 75 

A. numularia (Coin-leaved Manz mita). 

Rhododendron Calif or nicum (Rose Bay). 

R. occidentale (Azalea)— Six to fifteen feet high; blooming in some localities 
nearly ail the year; highly fragrant and beautiful flowers. 

Water-leaf Family — Eriodictyon glutinosum (Yerba Santa)— A shrub 3 to 10 feet 
high; ornamental and of medicinal value. 

Nightshade Family — Solatium umbelliferum (California Nightshade)— shrub- 
by; 1 to 6 feet high; handsome, large violet blue flowers; nearlv nil the year. 

Figwort Family— MimulVs glutinoms (Monkey Flower) — Shrubby; 2 to 6 feet, 
sending out beautiful salmon colored flowers nearly all the year. 

Mint Family — Andibertia grandiflora (Wild Sage) — One to three feet high. 

A. stachyoides — Three to eight feet high. 

There are several other members of the Mint family that become undershrubs — 
but these two are the most prominent. 

Laurel Family— Umbellidaria Califomica (Laurel or Bay)— A handsome tree, ten 
to seventy feet high; has a pungent, aromatic odor, much like "Bay Rum" of com- 
merce. Once known am ng botanists as Oreodaphne. Valuable for cabinet work. 

Mezereum Family— Birca occidentalis (Leather wood)— Three to six feet. 

Plane-tree Family— Platanus racemosa, (Button wood, Sycamore)— A large tree 
fifty to one hundred feet high. 

Birch Family— Alnus rhombifolia (Aide ) — Twenty to thirty feet high. Th e 
charcoal of this wood is valuable in the manufacture of powder. 

Sweet Gale Family— Myrica Califomica (California >Vax Myrtle). 

Willow Family— Salix laevigata (Smooth Willow)— Fifteen to fifty feet high. 

S. lasiandra (Drooping Willow)— Two varieties, fifteen to sixty feet high. 

5. lasiolepis— The most common Willow, twenty to sixty feet high. 

S. Flavesceus (Mountain Willow) — Ten to twenty feet high. 

S. Sitchensts (Sitka Willow) — Six to fifteen feet high, with leaves white silky 
underneath. 

Populus trichocarpa (Cottonwood)— Thirty to sixty feet high. 

Oak Family— Quercus lobata (White Oak, " Roble " of the Mexicans)— A large 
tree reaching one hundred feet in height. 

Q. Garry ana — Similar to the above. 

Q. Kelloggii — A middle-sized tree. These three oaks have 1'obed leaves; decid- 
uous. 

Q. chrysolepit (Canyon Live Oak)— One of the largest Oak*, covering some times 
with its spreading branches y % an acre. The wood is valuable. 

Q. agri folia (Evergreen Oak) and var frutescens— Common. 

Q. Wislizeni— From a mere shrub- in size to a tall, handsome tree fifty to sixty feet 
high. Abundant. 

Q. demiflora, (Chestnut Oak) — A fine, handsome tree, valuable for tan-bark and 
fuel. 

Q. durnom. 

Castanopsis chrysophylla (Western Chinquapin)— From two to fifty feet high, ac- 
cording 1o locality. 

Corylus rostrata (Hazelnut)— Abundant and largely used for hoops. 

Yew Family— Torreya Califomica (California Nutmeg)— A rar ' and beautiful tree, 
fifty to seventy-five feet high. The nuts are large and of pleasant flavor, and the wood 
has a lasting and pleasing fragrance. 

Taxus brevifolia (Yew)— Not common. 

Pine Family— Juniperus Califomica— (Juniper). 

Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey Cypress)— Native, and largely cultivated; is a 
rapid grower, and desirable foe hedges, fuel and wind breaks. 

C. Goveniana — Six to ten feet high. 

Sequoia sempervirens (Redwood)— The chief lumber tree. For beauty and use it is 
scarcely excelled and not fully appreciated as yet.' 

PseudotsuQa Douglassii and the var tnacrocarpa (Douglas Fir)— Next to the Redwood 
in abundance and value. 

Pinus ponderosa (Yellow Pine)— Reaches a good size, and is valuable for lumber 
and fuel. 

P. insignia (Monterey Pine)— Native and cultivated. Avaluable Pine. 
P. tuberculata (Knob-cone Pine)— Ten to sixty feet high. 



ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. 



I have acknowledged, throughout this little pamphlet, the kindly assistance 
rendered me by a number of our citizens in getting up the work. I desire further to 
mention the cordial co-operation of the Executive Committee of the Association; the 
kindness of A. A. Taylor, the files of whose weekly and daily journals have been co- 
piously gleaned from; and once again, the valuable aid of Dr. C. L. Anderson, a savant 
whose modesty equals his erudition. The design of the first page of the cover is 
due to Miss Carrie Anderson. I. H. Raymond. 



7 6 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



CHESNUTWOOD'S 

BUSINESS 

SANTA CRUZ.CAL 



The object of this College is to prepare young men and young ladies for the 
various business affairs of life. 

Its course is extensive, comprehensive and practical, giving to all who 
graduate such a thorough business training as will fit them for any business. 

Its purpose is not to fit pupils for clerks and bookkeepers alone, but aims to 
impart such information as wilL meet the wants of the times. 

BOOK-KEEPING. 

Our courte in book-keeping is thorough and complete, embracing every 
kind of business, from the simplest transaction of the retail dealer to the com- 
plicated affairs of the most extensive foreign shipping houses. 

BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE 

Will consist in writing business letters and communications of all kind's 
correctly. 

The proper use of capitals, punctuation and phrasing will be thoroughly 
taught. 

Penmanship in all its forms is made a specialty. 

All graduates will become elegant penmen. 

COMMEECIAL LAW. 

Lectures on Commercial Law will be given throughout the Business Course 
pertaining to business transactions and business paper. 

MATHEMATICS. 

A thorough drilL will be given in Commercial Arithmetic, embracing the 
most rapid methods of calculating Fractions, Percentage, Interest, Discount, 
Partial Payments, Banking, Taxes, Insurance, Commission, Profit and Loss, 
Domestic and Foreign Exchange, Stocks, General Average, Partnership, Settle- 
ments, etc., embracing the principal business industries, such as Wholesale and 
Retail Merchandising, Railroading, Jobbing, Commission, Insurance, Farming, 
Brokerage, Banking, etc. 

terms (in advance): 

Full Business Course, including Penmanship, Six Months, $42. 

For further particulars call at the College Rooms, corner Pacific and Wal- 
nut Avenues, or address the Principal. 

J. A. CHESNUTWOOD, 

P. O. Box 43, Santa Cruz, CaL 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



77 



Henry Skinner, Pres. 



P. B. Pagen, Vice-Pres. 



E. J. Cox, Cashier. 



SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA. 

PAID-UP CAPITAL AND RESERVE, S100,000. ORGANIZED AUGUST, 1875. 



Buys and Sells Exchange on the Principal Cities of Foreign Countries, and 
also on New York and other Cities of the United States. 

Gives Special Attention to Collections, and Conducts a General Banking Business. 
xHeSartta \Lruz Jjank of Savings aad ^oaa ? 

(ORGANIZED MARCH, 1870.) 

Under the same Management, allows Interest on Deposits. 




This favorite family home, with its quiet cottages, covering six acres, is 
splendidly located on Mission Heights, overlooking the City and Bay. Lawn 
Tennis Court, Ladies' Billiard Parlors, etc. 

THE PACIFIC OCEAN HOUSE. 

Largest, best appointed and most liberally managed Hotel in the City, with 
the most central location. Both the Pacific Ocean House and Pope House are 
kept open winter and summer under the management and personal supervis- 
ion of the proprietor, Mr. E. J. Swift, and they are the headquarters and 
places of sojourn of the famous Raymond & Whitcomb parties. A line of 
street cars passes both houses for the Beach, and runs at intervals of ten 
minutes. 



78 ADVERTISEMENTS. 



SATSTTA ORTIZ, CAL., 



OWNER OF 



City, Village and Country Property 

Of all descriptions, in the County of Santa Cruz, offers the same in quantities 
and on terms to suit purchasers. 

Eligible Business and Residence Lots 

In the City of Santa Cruz and adjoining towns; Farms bordering on the Bay of 
Monterey, and land in the Santa Cruz Mountains, suitable for general farm- 
ing, vineyard and fruit culture, form a portion of the property offered. 



No better locality can be found on the Pacific Slope for the establishment of 

-A. COLOUT 

Of from 50 to 100 Families, than a tract of 1,000 ACRES situated in the 

mountains, three miles north of the Aptos depot, consisting of cultivated 

farms and redwood and oak timber lands, watered by springs and 

running streams, and suitable for subdivision into 

parcels of ten acres and upwards. 



Also, FOR SALE, in order to close out a trust, 

Title Za/sreurrte ZESarLClb.., 

Containing 4,000 acres, which might make comfortable homes for 400 fam- 
ilies. This tract has more natural resources than any property of similar 
size in California. It is traversed by the main line and two branches of the S. 
P. C. R. R.; is well watered and fertile; has large bodies of timber, the same 
as forms the 

BIG TREE GROVE, 

To which it lies contiguous; contains valuable quartz and placer gold mines 
and large deposits of limestone, of brick clay and of sand suitable for the man- 
ufacture of glass, and posessses ample water power. 

To parties desiring to establish colonies I will sell either of these tracts 
entire on easy terms at reasonable rates. 



THE APTOS 2ss/£IX-X^ 

F. A. HIH'N, Proprietor, 

Offers to the trade all kinds of Redwood Lumber at the Lowest Market Kates, 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 79 



A. J. hinds, Established in 1866. a. h. fitch. 

CHINOS • & • flTOri*» 
REAL ESTATE AGENTS, 

T*aoific Avenue, Santa Cruz, Cal. 



The Pioneer Real Estate Office of Santa Cruz. Property for sale in all parts of the 
city and county. No charges to show property; two teams for that purpose. Courteous 
treatment is the rule of this office. We want to see you and show you around this 
beautiful City by the sea. Proprietors of the celebrated •' Fairmoipnt" addition to 
Santa Cruz, Building sites for sale on the installment plan. 



S. DBBNNAN, L. HEATH. 

HEATH & DRENNAN, 
Real Estate and Collection Ageney, 

No. 45 PACIFIC AVENUE, SAT5TTA CRUZ, CAL. 



Particular and prompt attention given to the mxnaarement of business of absent own- 
ers. Pine line of city an I ranch property. C)tn ninicitions promptly answered. 



If at all interested in the climate, 
soil and real estate values of Santa 
Cruz County, do not fail to obtain a 
eopy of MeyricW s Real Fstate Ex- 
change and Mart, free at Office, 
2JfJf Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, 
Cal. JVew number just out, 



«THE # GltY m BANK,* 

Of Santa Cruz. 

Ij. K. Baldwin, Pies. F. A. Hihn, Vice-Pres. Gr. W. Frost, Cashier. 

~ H. E. MAKINNEY, 

Deputy District Attorney, Searcher of Records, Notary Public and Con- 
veyancer. Abstracts of Title Promptly Furnished. Money to 
Loan, Loans Negotiated and Money Securely Invested, 
Insurance Agent. Court House. Santa Cruz, Cal. 



8o 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



REAL ESTATE EXCHANGE and MART, 

244 PACIFIC AVENUE. 

ESTABLISHED IN 1878. 



Searchers after homes and investments in Santa Cruz County will find 
here an equitable and well organized Real Estate Office, publishing a Real 
Estate Journal which supplies a reliable guide to Santa Cruz, its climate, 
soil and productions, together with a copious list of Ranches, FarmSj 
Vineyards, Orchards and Real Estate Investments in general, all with 

GKENTTINE PRICES AFFIXED. 

The new number, just published, will be found to contain the best 
assortment of Real Estate bargains ever offered in this district. We have 
our own teams in readiness to show properties free of all cost or compli- 
ment, and are always glad to supply information to inquiring strangers. 

MEYRICK & CO., 

Santa Cruz, Cal. 



WILKINS HOUSE, 

SA1STTA ORUZ, CALIFORNIA. 
The Leading, First-Class Family Hotel of the City. 



Located on Pacific Avenue, one block from the business centre. Street cars pass 
every ten minutes to the most attractive ocean beach on the Pacific Coast. The house 
is surrounded by choice flowers and plants. All rooms are light and sunny, in both 
suites and single. Visitors will find ihe quietude of a home, with table supplied with 
all the delicacies of the season, under the immediate supexwision of the proprietor. 
Croquet Grounds, Swings, and a large Assembly Hall, with Fine Piano and Billiard 
Table, all free to the guests of the house, which give amusement and pleasure for both 
old and young. Carriages at all trains and steamers to convey passengers to Hotel, 
free of charge. L. L. FARGO, Proprietor. 



Fun J\nioqg ^^t he Bfeal^ 



THE OLD RELIABLE 

^liEIBBRANBT # BR0fRERS^ 

Take pleasure in announcing that their capacious and conveniently located 
Bathing Establishment is now OPEN FOR THE SEASON. Within the past 
year the establishment has been thoroughly refitted, and the accommodations 
much increased by the addition of New Hot Salt Water Bath Rooms, New 
Dressing Rooms, New Bathing Suits, New Dancing Hall. Hot Salt Water 
Baths at all hours. Safety Cables stretched to deep water. Barges with spring- 
board attached. Good swimming teachers in attendance. 




^PAN^tFORTr^HOOL 



SqwoijloitsES 



I 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 






